A most worthy and famous work, both pleasant and profitable, containing the long and cruel Wars between the Goths, and the valiant Roman Emperors, for the possession of Italy.  
With the wonderful chances that happened to both nations: written in the Italian tongue, And newly Translated into English, By A.G.  
Imprinted at London, by Wyllyam-How, for George buck.   

To the right honourable Sir William Sicill Knight principal Secretary to the Queen's Majesty and Master of her highness Court of wards and liveries, Arthur Golding wisheth continuance of health, with increase of honour.  
LIke as vines to the intent the better to prosver and preserve their fruit to the use & pleasure of man, require the stay of trees that be stronger than themselves: Even so it behoveth them that mind to put forth any work to the behoof and commodity of others, to shroud themselves under the favour of some such person, for whose sake their doing may be the better liked and accepted of all men.  
The which thing this my rude and unpolished translation of the history of Leonard Aretine right well perceiving, at such time as being fully finished & ended it was now ready to set foot out of doors and to commit itself to the wide world, beholding itself spoiled of his Roman garment and turned into a plain english cote, began to be somewhat abashed and to look about him for some favourable patron under whose protection it might adventure to go abroad. But to whom rather ought it to present itself then to him under whose roof it hath been harbroughed and fostered from the infancy, until such time as it came to his full growth. And therefore although the want of fine penning and eloquent inditing of the history in our language, enforce me to confess it unworthy to trouble your honour being otherwise busied in most weighty affairs of this Realm: yet notwithstanding partly in consideration of my duty, but more upon confidence of your clemency, I have taken boldness to dedicate the same unto you: so much the rather, in asmuch as the work entreateth of serious and weighty matters.  
Wherein if it may please your honour so to accept my doing, as that this my simple Translation may under your favourable protection be bold to show itself abroad, I shall not only think my travel abundantly recompensed, but also account it for a further encouragement, to give the adventure upon some greater matter hereafter.  
Finished at your house in the Strand the second of April, 1563. By your honours at commandment Arthur Golding.   

TO THE READER  
Forasmuch as this work of Leonard Aretine entreateth of the repulsing of the Goths out of Italy by the Captains of th'emperor of Constantinople, touching lightly by the way the cause of their arrival in the same country, It seemeth expedient to make further rehearsal of the cause of their first entrance with in the bounds of the Roman Empire, & of their success in the same through which they grew so strong in process of times, that they not only beareft it of diverse provinces & members pertaining thereto, but also got into their hands Italy itself with the islands adjoining, making themselves Lords and Masters of Rome sometime sovereign lady & Empress of the world. In declaration whereof that matter itself will somewhat minister occasion to speak of the Erules and of Odoacer out of whose hands the Goths wrested the dominion and possession of Italy, and synally of the two politic martial and fortunate Captains Belisarius and Narses who after eighteen years wars, recovered the same again to the Empire. The which things I will ou●● run as briefly as the matter will permit. The Goths therefore by the assertion and consent of allowable Authors, inhabited sometime beyond the river Istre or Danow in the Country called in old time Dacia now named Valachia. So that the Ostrogothes or Easternegothes bordering upon the coast of 
* Nowcalled Mare maiore  Pontus Eurinus, (of whom this present history entreateth) are accompated for the Gets and tribals: and the Viungothes or westerngothes inhabiting more into the firm and main land toward the head of Danow and Germany, are accounted for the Daces or D●ues. Now about the year of our Lord God. 373. In the 〈◊〉 of Valens Emperor of the east, a certain people of 
* Now called Tartary.  Scythia named Huns assembling themselves in great number, under the conduct of their Captain Cadaris invaded the Easterngothes & brought them in subjection. The westerngothes stricken with fear at the sudden misfortune of their neighbours, abandoning their native Country sent Ambassadors to the Emperor Valens, proffering to receive the Christian faith, and to set themselves as a wall & bulwark to the Roman Empire against the assaults of the ●uell Huns and other Barbarous nations, so that he would suffer them to pass the river Danow and give them Mysia to inhabit. Upon this condition their request was granted, and they received both Christian Religion and also governors of the Emperor.  
Through the misgoveruement and extortion of whom they were so vexed, that they made insurrection against the Empire, subdued Mysia & Thrace overcame th'emperor in battle & burned him in a cottage where he had hidden himself, and finally besieged Constantinople. Nevertheless afterward as well appeased and pacified by the virtuous & upright government, as vanquished & subdued by the force & puissance of Theodosius (who succeeded Valens) they submitted themselves again to the Roman Empire, & served in the wars at commandment by the space of xxxv years, until such time as Stillico (traitorously practising the confusion of Honorius son of the said Theodosius, to the intent to have made his own son Eucherius Emperor) by putting them out of wages, & defrauding them of their pensions, compelled them to rebel again. Whereupon taking weapon in hand, they invaded Pannonie, & there making one Alaricus a noble and valianie gentleman King, wasted all Pannonie, Thrace, & Sclauonie, with all the countries bordering upon italy, and finally after great slaughter both given and received, spolyed all Italy with fire & sword, sacked Rome, and conquered Spain, where they also settled themselves, and within few years after grew to such wealth authority & puissance, that the younger Valentinian Emperor of Rome (of whom mention shallbe made in the beginning of this work) entering in league with their King Theodoriche, used his aid against Attila King of the Huns. For the Huns like good bloodhounds following freshly the pursuit of their foresaid victory against the Easterngothes partly moved of envy toward the state of the Roman Empire, and partly solicited thereto by the traitor Ruffian whom Theodosius had left as governor and protector of his other son Arcadius Emperor of the east,) associating unto them the said Easterngothes, the Gepides, the Erules, and other Barbarous people to the number of five thousand men, under the conduct of Attila (worthily surnamed the scourge of God) afflicted the dominions and provinces of the Roman Empire, and in especially wasted and spoiled italy, razing her cities to the ground, and bearing down all things before the like a most violent and horrible tempest. Aftrer whose return into Pannonie, the seat of their kingdom, Attila immediately died, Whereupon ensued discord between the Huns and the Easterngothes, in which the Goths drawing to their part: the Gepides, prevailed, and drove the Huns out of Pannonie back again into Tartary from whence they first came. Howbeit they left their name still behind them to the Country, the which after them is called hungary unto this day.  
About the same time that the Goths had driven the Huns out of Hungary, it fortuned that one Aspar a noble man of great power and authority proclaimed his son Ardaburis Caesar against Leo then Emperor of Constantinople. In so much that Leo was fain to assemble a power and encounter with him with in the city. In the which conflict Aspar and Ardaburis being overcome were yielded to the Emperor and put both to death. The Goths taking occasion of advantage upon this civil war, wasted all Sclauonie and never rested until such time as Leo had granted them hungary (from whence they had utterly expulsed the sons of Attila) together with Misia to have and hold freely without tribute or subjection to the Empire. Upon which condition truce was taken, and for better observing thereof.  
Theodenur king of the Goths gave his son Theodorich in Hostage unto Leo. It was not long after but that there fell grudge & consequently war between Theodenur and his brother Valanur wherein Valanur was slain. By means whereof it came to pass that Theodenur enjoyed quietly the whole and entire possession of all Daces, Masia, and both the Pannonies. Leo therefore fearing the power & puissance of Theodenur, delivered him his son Theoderich. Theodenur in recompense of that good turn, turned the truce that was taken between them into continual peace, and so the Goths ceased to molest the Empire. In the mean season after much alteration & usurping by Tyrants, Augustulus a very child the son of Orestes a sage and wise Senator of Rome, being by favour of the Citizens of Ravenna proclaimed emperor of the West, to the intent to refresh and ease the Empire of the long continued trouble that it had suffered many years 〈◊〉, by the counsel of his father Orestes, took pert with the Vandals in Africa, who had always since their first coming, been evil neighbours to the Empire. But whiles all was cavime and quiet on the south, behold an hedeous and horrible tempest riseth up against him out of the North. The Erules and Turinges the miserable relics of the army of Attila, (who after that the said Attila was dead & his sons driven away, being vanguished by the Easterngothes & compelled backs again toward Tartary with the Huns, had a while held themselves in quiet about the mouth of the river Danow) alured with the former spoil of Italy (to whose utter undoing well nigh all the wars that were made in those days did tend,) came back again and conquering it siewe Orestes and deposed Augustulus, in whom the honourable and renowned name of Augustus' dexied the .517. year after that Octavius Caesar 〈…〉 that 〈◊〉 and title of honour given unto him of the Senate and people of Rome. By means whereof it came to pass, that Italy and Rome became afterward the common pray of Barbarous kings, so the he that could make hymslef strongest enjoyed the possission thereof. For Odoacer & his Erules had scarcely yet fully settled themselves, when the Easterngothes (who after the decease of Theodenur were now under the government of his son Theoderich) envying the prosperity of that Erules, & therewith calling to remembrance how their own countrymen the westerngothes had already conquered Spain, the vandals Africa, the Frenchmen, & Burgonions Gallia, the Sarons Britain, & other nations other pleasant & fertile countries, earnestly besought and required their king, to lead them into italy to the intent as well to advance the fame and renown of their Chevairie, as also to place themselves in the conntrye which as it was the head and sovereign of all others, so had it also the report to be the most pleasant, wealthy, and fertile of all the Regions of Europe. Theoderich albeit he were in manner constrained by his subjects to do the thing that they requested, yet as one mindful of the great benefits that his ancestors had received of the Emperors of Constantinople, and of the honourable enter tainement that he himself had had at such time as he lay in hostage in the emperors Court, he advertised the Emperor Zeno thereof, proreving that he would do nothing without his consent. Zeno who at that time stood in fear of Theoderich and the Goths, (as one that for doubt lest he should grow to strong for him in that part of Europe, was fully determined before, to have proffered that voyage unto him though no such question had been moved) gladly condescended to his petition & for the more honour created him Confull. hereupon Theoderich and his countrymen with their wives and children removed into italy. Of whose good success and of the good success of his posterity in that country, together with their expulsing or rather subduing by the imperials, for as much as this History of Leonard Aretine doth at large entreat I will not be tedious in repeating the same. Howbeit it is to be understanded that after the battle of Nuceria where Teias last king of the Goths was slain, although some departed away with such things as they had according to covenant yet the greater part of them tarried still: the which degenerating into the name of Italians, lost both their empire & own name for ever the lxxi. year after their first coming into the country under Theodorich, being the year of grace CCCCC L. IIII. Now as concerning the two noble and valiant captains Belisarius and Narses the conquerors and subduers of them, it is to be doubted whether the miserable misfortune of the one by more to be lamented, or the unadvisedness and folly of the other (if I may term the thing according to desert) be to be blamed. For Belifarius after that he had recovered Africa from the Vandals, vanquished the Persians, fought porsperously against the Medes, abated the power and pulled down the high courages of the Goths opening a way of conquest to his successor, and achieved so many haut enterprises and Martial exploits that the glorious fame of his doings did spread his renown over all the world and made his name immortal, in so much that he was accounted as a perfect and incomparable Mirror for all Captains to behold, and a very master of chivalry, whom neither ambition the common corrupter of noble hearts, nor the licentyous liberty of the Camp, nor the instigatyons of mighty Princes could withdraw from his allegeans and promise made to the Emperor justinian. Was in the end in his old days upon light suspicion without proof, by the same Emperor for whom he had so often put his life in peril: to whom he had acquired so much honour, whose favour he had esteemed more than to reign himself as an Emperor, deprived of both his eyes, and constrained to beg his bread miserably from door to door, an unworthy reward for so many good deeds and so much good service done to the Empire. And Narses the subduer of the Goths and reducer of Italy to the Empire when he had governed it quietly many years together to his great honour and admiration, at the last (like a shrewd cow which when she hath given a good quantity of milk overthroweth the pail with her heel and spyllethe the same) provoked only by the presumptuous words of a vain and envious woman, weved such a web (according to his own words) as neither she nor the Emperor were able to wear out, no nor he himself to unweave again after he had once put it into the loom, though he did the best he could to have stayed it, so hard and difficult a matter is it to stop a mischief of the course, when it once hath gotten the reins in the neck, and hath set foot forward to run the race. For the lombards being by him in the ecstasy of his fumyshe rage called out of Pannonie (which by that times was become the common receptacle of the enemies of the Empire) not only within short time after his decease brought italy in subjection to them, but also sins that day hitherto (which thing neither the Goths, Hsines Vandals, Erules, nor any other of the barbarous nations with their manifold and terrible assaults were able to compass and bring to effect) have held a portion thereof as a perpetual possession and inheritance to themselves, which retaineth their name unto this day. But forasmuch as these things were done somewhat after the subduing of the Goths, and do little or nothing pertain to the present purpose of this History I will not stand any longer upon them, but remit the to the reading of mine Author.   

The preface of Leonard Aretine, unto his books of the wars in italy against the Goths.  
Although it had been a far greater pleasure toine, to have written of the prosperous & flourishing estate of Italy, then of the slaughters and destruction of it: yet notwithstanding forasmuch as the time requireth otherwise, we also will change with the time & follow the mutability of fortune reporting in these books the invastons of the Goths, & the wars through the which almost all Italy was brought to utter 〈…〉. S●●ly a sorrowful matter, but yet for the knowledge of things done in those days, necessary to be entreated of. For I cannot think but that when Xenophon of Athens that excellent Clerk, did write of the besieging and famishing of Athens and of the throwing down of the walls of it, he was sorry in his heart that he had occasion so to do. And yet he wrote it, because he thought it expedient that the remembrance of such things should not perish. Neither doth our Livy deserve les praise when he rehearseth the taking and burning of Rome by the Frenchmen, then when he setteth out the famous triumph of Paulus Emylius over the Mare●●●es, or the name conquests of Scip●s Affricanus. For it is the duty of an history to put in writing all adventures as well unfortunate as fortunate. And therefore a man may wish the best, but he must write be it good or bad as occasien offereth. I assure you as I was inditing these matters, albeit many things did grieve me, for thentire love that I bear to my native country, yet not withstanding this reason I had to comfortine, that although Italy suffered at that time most extreme miseries. yet at the length she not only gate th'upper hand & expulsed those foreign nations but also hath remained from that day to this most wealthy & puissant both by sea and land, and that from that time forth her Cities have flourished in riches & aucthorie most abundantly, and do flourish still at this hour, th'honour and dominion of them now stretching itself far of on all sides, so that the things that have happened unto her, seem not so much to be lamented as to be rejoiced at, like unto Hercules whose great exploits made him more famous than ever he should have been if he had not attempted those dangerous enterprises. I will not speak of the great Civility, good Nurture, courtesy, & trade of all Liberal arts & learning, of the which Italy showeth itself to be a natural mother & a very nourice, for I will let the commendations of her alone until another tyme. As concerning the wars that we now must entreat of, there remained no mention of them among the Latin writers only there went a report from man to man & that very slender & obscure, that Belisarius & Narses captains of the emperor justinian drove that Goths out of Italy, but where or in what sort, or by what means, there was no inkling at all left in writing. We came by the knowledge of them out of that grek Chroncles. Wherefore as I had done by many other things before, so also I endenored to bring again to light these things being wellny blurred & blotted out of memory. And that so much the rather, because that other stories for the most part do concern th'affairs & doings of strangers, but this concerneth wholly our own matters. Wherein it may be worth a man's labour to search & peruse the state of italy in those days what Cities, and what kind of people were in it what towns and cities were besieged, which were won and brought in subiectio, & in what places battles were fought. For to know all these things it is a great praise, and not to know them it is a foul shame. For it is a token that a man loveth his country, not to be ignorant in th'original and proceedings thereof, or whatsoever else hath fortuned unto it in times past. Furthermore that knowledge of Histories doth greatly delight the mind because all we men do of nature covit to know things, and also it bringeth great profit for as much as it contameth the examples of like affairs to what end they came, & giveth experiens in many things, through the which old men are accounted wiser than youngmen, because they have seen into things in their lives time, and by experiens not only of their own but also of other men's perils, are made more ware, and therefore are able to give better judgement and are wont to be led by better counsel. For when they read of the riches and Empires of the greatest kings and the puissantest nations and percayve how soon they come to decay, they understand by & by what a folly it is to boast & be proud for those things, which no man is able to assure himself that they shall continued with him until night. Thus doth an History make us both more wise and more modest in our doings. And therefore right reverend father I determined to dedicate these Books unto you, as well to th'intent you might understand my entire love and affection to wards you, as also that you might be as a judge of my work and travel, the which I shall think very well bestowed if so wise and well learned a man as you are, do allow them and take them in good worth. Whereupon I will take occasion to go in hand with the process of mine History. Farewell.   

The first Book of Leonard Aretine, concerning the wars in Italy against the Goths.  

❧ The first Chapter.  
¶ The dispotition of Agustulus, the division of the lands through Italy, the cause of the coming of the Goths thither, and of their encounter with Odoacers' Captains.  
IT the time that Zene was Emperor of Rome, the Goths under the leading of Theodorich, determined to invade Italy, lately before sore afflicted with divers roads and invasions of barbarous people, and at that time oppressed with the tyranny of Odoacer: of the which things I purpose to entreat, repeating somewhat deeper the state of those times, to the intent it may be known from whence the Goths first came, and what hope moved them to invade the Empire.  
After the death of the younger Valentinian, 
The death of Valentinian.  who (as it is well enough known) was slain at Rome of his own Subjects, the Empire of the West began to waver, and to be as it were without life or soul.  
Now, there were at the same time in Italy, great armies of foreigners raised lately before by Valentinian for fears of Attila, and afterwards associated by the Romans against the Vandals. These foreigners perceiving the empoveryshement and weakness of the Empire, and thereupon taking courage, conspired together, and demanded to have the third part of the lands through all italy divided among them.  
The name of the Empire remained at that time in one Augustulus, who being but a very child, was goucrned by his father Orestes a Senator of Rome. Therefore at such time as the men of war demanded a partition of the lands, and that Orestes being a wise and sage person withstood their request, the soldiers slew him, and forthwith following their Captain Odoacer, camme to Rome and deposed Augustulus. 
Augustulus is deposed and Odoacer vius peth.  By means whereof having now the law in their own hand, they divided the third part of the lands among them Odoacer having by this means gotten the Soveraygnytye, in his own name and in the name of the army ruled the cities at his own lust and pleasure.  
Zeno also Governor of the East Empire lying at Constantynople, began to dread sore the power of Theodorich. 
The cause of the commung of the Goths into Italy.  For the Goths that inhabited the upper coast of Thracia, had already begun to vere and disquiett the countries bordering upon them. And it was none other like, but that they would make some insurrection against the Roman Empire. whereupon to the intent to deliver himself and the countries there abouts from fear of the Goths. He persuaded Theodorich to pass into Italy, and to deliver the cities there out of the hands of the wrongful withholders of them. Induced with these persuasion Theordorich removing out of Thrace, and leading with him the Goths with their wives and children and all that ever they had through Syrmium and Illyricum, went toward Italy: where at his first entrance, the Captains of Odoacer camme against him with their armies. The first battle betwixt them was fought not far from the City of Aquileia, upon the river Fontius. In the which conflict after a long and sharp encounter, the Goths gate the victory, and put the Captains of Odoacer to flight.   

❧ The two Chapter.  
¶ Theodorich king of the Goths besiegeth Odoacer in Ravenna, the matter is ended by composition, each of them lieth in wait to destroy other, Theodorich preventing Odoacer killeth him at a banquet, by means whereof he obtaineth the sovereignty of Italy, of the acts of Theodorich and of his death.  
AFter this, when the Goths had won the cities there abouts, 
Odoacer is besseged.  and vanquished the power of their enemies in other places also, at length they besieged Odoacer in the City of Ravenna. The siege held the Goths tack longer than they thought it would have done at the first, and that happened by reason of the situation of the place. For neither can Ravenna be easily besieged upon that side that is toward the sea, because it standeth hard upon the shore, neither upon that side that is toward the land, because it hath a ditch cut from the river Po, and is environed with certain standing waters and marisses. By means whereof, the Goths lay well nigh full three years at the siege thereof and could not win it. But yet in the mean season, they won all the towns near about, saving Cesena, the which also was kept with a strong garrison of Odoacers.  
At the last as well the Assaylaunts as the defendants being wearied, 
Composition, between Odoacer and Theodorich.  the matter was decided by composition, that Theodorich and Odoacer should be Comperes and Fellows in Empire. After that things were thus set at a stay, Throdorich and his Goths entered into Raucuna, neither was there any part of all Italy that was not content to receive him.  
But this copertuershyppe in the Empire lasted not long. For when as the one bare grudge in his heart prenelye against the other, Theodorich preventing Odoacer bad him to a Banquet and there killed him, 
The death, of Odoacer.  and so with his Goths bore all the sway alone in Italy. How 〈◊〉 it, to say the truth, his government was not very intolerable, albeit he retained for his people the third part of the lands, in such sort as Odoacer had lately before divided them. 
The reign and acts of Theodorich.  For he suffered the cities to be governed by their own laws and by their own citizens.  
Appointing Ravenna to be the Sea of his kingdom, where he also planted himself. thirty and seven years reigned Theodorich in italy: neither sat he still Idellye like a coward all the while. For he both anticred Sicill with all the Ilclandes about it unto his kingdom, and also subdued Dalmatia. Moreover, during the said time of his reign, he led an huge host over the Alps and the river Rhone into France against the French men.  
Thus did this King many noble acts, and his name was famous and renowned, saving that in his latter days, he was noted of crucirye and outrage, for putting to death of Symmachus and Boetius Senators of the city of Rome, 
Symmachus. Boetins.  with certain other noble men, only upon suspicion that they sought to set the city at libertic.   

❧ The three Chapter.  
¶ Amulusuentha the daughter of Theodorich with her son Athalaricke succeed in the kingdom, the severity of the Queen in executing of justice, the wilfulness of the Goths in the education of their king, the untimely death of the said Athalarick the great friendship of the Queen toward Theodatus, & the ingratitude of him towards her again, th'emperor justinian sendeth Belisarius against the Goths, and he conguereth all Sicill.  
THeodorich being deceased with out issue male, his daughter Amulusuentha, as then a Widow, with her son Athalaricke succeeded in the kingdom. This Athalaricke was but a child to speak of, and therefore all the whole care of the government lay in the queens neck. Who having great regard of her infant, 
An example of the good education of a Prince.  immediately did put him forth to be brought up in learning and good nurture. For she gave him learned men to be is teachers, and appointed certain Lords of the Goths, men ancient, of great gravity and good bringing up to be continually about him. And she here self looked very straightly to the government of the Empire, prohibiting the Goths as well to do wrong as to take wrong, and also repealing divers acts of her father Theodorich, 
justice and clemency in a woman.  reducing them to a moor gentleness and clementy. Amongst the which this was one, that she restored to the sons of Boetius and Symmachus their father's goods and inheritance, which Theodorich had lately before confiscate: affirming that they were wrongfully condemned through false accusations, whereto the king unadvisedly had given light credit. Furthermore, she compelled her cousin germane, 
justice without parcilaitie  Theodatus (who having great possessions in Thuscane had taken many fermes and manners violently from his neighbours like a tyrant) to make restituition of the harms he had done, with a sharp rebuke for his great misbehaviour. This severity of the Queen, made many of the Goths to become her enemies. And therefore, tertayne of the chief ●● them conspiring together, determined to bring up her son contrary to her disposition, maugre her power. Whereupon they came unto her saying, it liked not the Goths that their king should live in subjection under tutors and teachers, or that he should be kept in awe of his elders, they said it was meet for a King of such pusaunce as he should be to set his mind upon chivalry and feats of arms, and to exercise himself among lusty young gentlemen, rather than to learn to wait upon a master, or to sit glumming among a sort of old Doctards. For by this means both the body & the mind of their King should be effeminated: But through tother he should increase as well in strength and courage, as also in cunning and experience. For he was not made king to th'intent to instruct his people in learning, but to enlarge his dominion by knighthod & chivalry. The Queen albeit she were not ignorant to what end & purpose all this drift was driven, yet not withstanding because she would not seem to be utterly against their requests; she condescended unto them. The young prince being delivered to the company of as youthful as himself, win a little while after, 
Licentious liberty corruption of youth  fell to a more lascivious trade of living folowig altogether the lust of the flesh & such other kinds of filthy pleasures. And against his mother he became so stoberne & self-willed through thenticement of ill coum sell that he disdained to go unto her or speak to her. The Queen when she saw herself by such policies assaulted of her adversary and bereft of her kingdom, 
Eunill counsel ●he confusion of counsellors  being a woman of a stout courage, could no longer bear with their doings, but sent certain of her officers privily, and put to death three of the chiefest of the Goths, which were the ryngleaders and counsellors of her son unto all noughtiness. And so having reconciled him unto her, she took upon her the government again. But Athalaricke being fallen into divers surffetts and diseases through the disorder of his former lascivious living, 
The death of Athalaricke.  deceased in the xviij year of his age, when he had reigned with his mother x. years after the death of Theodorich. The Queen after the decease of her son, thinking that she should be the better able to wade through the weighty affairs of the realm, if so be she had some partaker & assistant, 
Theodotus is made king.  took her cousin Theodatus (of whom I made mention before) to be her pertner in the kingdom. This Theodatus was excellently well learned both in Latin and in Greek, and had given himself much to the reading of Plato and other philosophy. Nevertheless, being of nature feeble and unconstant he was distained with many vices. 
An example of exceeding ingratitude.  Through which where as the queen of her mere bounty & good will, had raised him from a subject to the state of a king, he forthwith requited her with the greatest ingratitude and treachery that could be. For he conspired secretly with her enemies, and took and sent her as a banished person, into the Ilelande in the lake of Vulsin. And ere it was long after, he suffered her to be killed by the kinsfolk and children of them, whom she had put to death in the time of the obstinate rebellion of her son against here. This so great untruth and treachery of Theodatus, did greatly disquiet many of the Goths, lamenting the unworthy mischance of the Queen, & to see the posterity of Theodorich so wickedly destroyed, in so much that it wanted but little, but that the Goths had made insurrection against him.  
Whereof as soon as the Emperor justinian had intelligence (for after Zeno, 
The cause of the wars be tween the Emperor & the Goths.  Anastasius, & justine, the Empire descended unto him) thinking that the time now served to set Italy at liberty, he applied all his whole mind and study how to compass and bring the same to effect. Hereunto his prosperous success since he was Empereour provoked him: in as much as lately before by his captain Belisarius, he had vanquished the Vandals and wrested Africa out of their hands. And therefore he thought it was not to be abidden, that (contrary to the honour of the Roman Empire) Italy should be held in subjection by the barbarous. 
The effect of them perours ambassade van to Theodatus  Induced with these reasons, he sent Ambassadors to Theodatus, requiring him to surrender up Italy & Sicill, in recompense whereof he proffered him other dignities & promotions: the which offer if he refused, than he denounced open war against him. Upon the refusal of these offers made by Theodatus, the Emperor intending to make no further delay, 
Belisarius is appounted in to Italy and Mundus into Dalmatiz.  commanded Belisarius to pass into Italy with his army. Howbeit whiles he was making preparation he pretended as though he would have sent his navy into Africa, & not into Sicill. About the same time also he commanded another of his captains called Mundus to invade Dalmatia with another power: to the intent that the Goths being assailed on all sides at once, might the easilier be oppressed.  
Mundus entering into Dalmatia won Salons & set all the country on an uproar. Belisarius having rigged his ships & embarked his soldiers, 
Belisarins' voyage into Sicill and of his doing there.  sailed toward Sicill. He had of footmen a sufficient number, all tall men and piked Soldiers, and his Horsemen were conveyed with him by water also.  
Captains of his footmen were Constantine, Bessas', and Herodian: captains of his horsemen were Valentine, Innocent and Magnus: and lieutenant general and sovereign of them all was Belisarius. Who following the commandment of the emperor his master whereas he pretended to sail toward Cartharge, arrived by the way in Sicill, 
A politic Captain.  and there going a land as it had been to refresh himself and his soldiers, when he espied time and occasion for his purpose, suddenly he assailed the city Catina and won it. Then showing himself with his army abroad, and disclosing his prepensed purpose, within few days after, he received 
* Now called Saragoza  Syracuse by composition. After this it is a wonder to see how victory ran on his side, and how the Cities of their own accord yielded and called him to them. The cause hereof was the hatred that the Siciliands bare to the Goths, and the authority of the Empire or Rome, together with the presence of Belisarius. Whom (for as much as he had delivered Africa from the Vandalians) they hoped should do the like by the Goths through Sicil & Italy. Moreover, the Goths had made no preparation in Sicil, because they looked not for any war there. By means whereof it came to pass, that as many of the Goths as were in Sicill, being amazed at the sudden invasion of Belisarius, and the hasty revolting of the cities, thought more of running away then of making resistance. Only the city of 
* Now called. Palerno. The siege of Panormus & the winning thereof.  Panormus (by reason there was a strong garrison of the Goths in it) abode the siege, and endured it to the uttermost. The which city being very defensible and well fortified toward the land, and thereupon setting light by any thing that th'enemy could work against it, at the last by a navy sent into the haven was won by the sea. For the haven extended hard to the walls of the town: And Belisariushad marked how that in divers places, the tops of the masts reached a great height above the walls of the city. Wherefore he set Archers and slingers in the topcastles of the ships, who with arrows and darts did so beat their enemies underneath them on all sides, that the walls were left naked without defendants: so that their companey went without danger to the foot of the wall, 
The good success of Belisarius.  and broke it down. Through which distress their enemies being discomforted, yielded up the town. This was the last City of all Sicill that came in subjection. When Belisarius had recoveredpanormus he returned to Syracuse, and there making sumptuous and royal pageants, threw Gold and Silver among the people. For it was the last day of his consulship the which was given him in honour of the victory that he gate of the Vandalians. And Fortune was so favourable unto him, that besides all his former victories, even the very last day of his consulship she closed up with the recovery of all Sicill. Thus went the world in Sicill.   

❧ The four Chapter.  
¶ Of the doings of Mundus in Dalmatia against the Goths, of the death of the said Mundus and his son Maurice, and how one Grippa a noble man of the Goths recovereth all that Mundus had conquered before.  
IN Dalmatia both parts raised great powers and made towards the City of Saions. 
The doings of Mundus in Dalmatia,  Now when they were come near unto the town, and that the w●●rd was hot on both varies, it longth there was a battle sought, not prepurposed but by chance upon these deign without knowledge before of any of both parts. The rause thenreof was this. The captain Mundus had a son called Maurice a goodly young gentleman and a tall man of his hands. When having the leading of a troup of Horsemen, road to view the Camp of the Goths. Now by chance the Gothish horsemen met with him, and assoon as the one part had espied the other, there was no tarience but strait to the skirmish. So they encountered for a time very stersly, and many of the stoutest of the Goths were slain, and at the last Maurice also was killed.  
Both the Camps heaving of the skirmish, made soede to rescue their companies. 
Sudden battle between the Goths & the imperials  Whiles that Mundus was on his way, tidings was brought him of the loss of his son. Then the man being of nature fierce & warlike, ran in a rage like a mad man upon his enemies. By that 〈◊〉 was at the hosts of the Goths come thither, and the encounter was with the whole power of either part, the battle was very bloody and cruel. At length the Goths being discomfited with meat slaughter and loss of their people were put to flight. But Mundus whiles he unsatiably followed the slughter of the Goths, 
See th'end of ourragious fury.  and for anger and sorrow of the loss of his son pursued the chase to far, was recountered of his dispersed enemies and slaintand so the fatheer through the outrageous revengement of his son, in th'end did seek his own confusion. After this battle both armies departed a sunder. For the Goths being vanquished durst not abide in those quarters, and the emperors soldiers being dismayed with the loss of their Captain, left Salons and retired back again. I think it not good to suppress with silens a thing that many authors have made mention of. They say there were certain old verses of Sibyl in the which it was prophesied, 
A prophesy of Sibyl.  that when Africa should be recovered by the Romans, then should Mundus (which word as it is here a man's name: so also it signifieth the world) and his issue should neryshe. This prophesy of Sibyl made many men afraid, doubting least heaven and earth with all mankind should utterly have decayed. But after the time that Africa in the former wars was recovered by the pussaunce of Belisarius, than it appeared how that Sibyl prophesied of the destruction of this Captain and his son. So deeply are all prophesies wrapped in doubtful circumstances. After the death of this Captain and the departure of his army, the Goths began to grow the monger in those parts. For Grippa one of the noble men of the Goths, 
The Goths recover all that Mundus had conquered  immediately thereupon raising a new power recovered Salons & all that ever Mudus had gotten before in those places. In so much that the Goths were far of greater power than their enemies in those borders. And therewithal Theodatus the king taking stoutly upon him thought himself able to match or rather to overcome th'emperor in battle.   

❧ The .v. Chapter  
¶ The Emperor sendeth a new Lieutenant into Dalmatia, named Constantian, who recovereth all Dalmatia and Lyburnia.  
WHEN justinian heard of the things that were done in Dalmatia, he made one of his Courtiers named Constantian Lieutenant of the wars there. 
Constantian made lieutenant of Dalmatia.  And therewithal wrote to Belisarius that he should without further delay pass into Italy. Constantian therefore having repaired his army and throughly furnished his navy of all things, after that he had tarried a while about the doing thereof at Dyrrachin, removed from thence and sailed to Rhagusium. There were at Rhagusium certain skowtwatches set there by Gryppa, who seeing the navy of Constantian passing along the shore-side, beautiful to behold both for the building and number of the ships, by and by returned unto Grippa, and where as the thing was great of itself, they reported it to be far greater than it was in deed. 
The solaine fear of Grippa at the arrival of Constnatian.  At the which tidings Grippa was at his wits end and witted not in the world what to do. For he thought it both perilous and also great folly to encounter against so great a power: and to enclose himself within Salons he durst not, because he had the Citizens more than half in a controversy of treason, & the walls of the town were in divers places decayed & fallen down for lack of reparation. Moreover, considering that his enemies were to strong for him on the sea, he was afraid he should soon be brought to scarcity of bietualls. Being distressed with these cares, 
Counsel the refuge of cares  at length (which is the refuge in such extremities) he fell to counsel. According to the same he converyghed all his host a good way out of Salons, and encamped in a place convenient. In the mean time Constantian arrived with 〈◊〉 his 〈◊〉 at Lysne, there having intelligence what was done, he sailed to the next shore, and there setting his men a land sent CCCCC of them before, to take the straight & narrow passages in the night season, which are within a little way of Salons. The which thing being executed, he himself the next morning brought all his army to the city, 
Constantian getteth Dalmatia and Lyburnia.  and without any trouble recovered the same. When Grippa had understanding thereof, he tarried not passed two or three days there, but that he determined to departed thence, and so he returned to Ravenna by water, leaving up utterly to the enemy both Dalmatia & Lyburnie, 
Dalmatia, Lyburnia, & Illy ricum, are now called all by one name of Sclavony.  the which immediately without any resistance came into the hands of Constantian.   

❧ The uj Chapter.  
¶ Belisarius arriveth in Italy, and after long siege winneth Naples.  
BElisarius upon the receipt of the emperors ietters, 
The arrival of Belisarius in Italy,  when he should pass into Italy, leaving garrisons of soldiers at Syracuse and Panormus, went with the residue of his army to Messana: and there wasted over unto Regium. From thence he led his arune by land through the Brutians and Lucanes, commanding his navy to coast him by the shore of the neither sea as near the land as might be. As he went forward, the inhabitants of those countries revolted to him thick and threefold. When he had after this sort certain days continued his journey, 
Belisarius cometh to Naples.  at length he stayed about Naples, the which city was kept with a great and strong garrison of the Goths.  
There he commanded his ships to lie at anchor in the haven, but yet without the shot of artillery, & he himself in the mean time bringing his army near unto the town, viewed the situation of the city & the nature of the place upon the land. It was not long after but that he took by composition a strong bulwark standing in the Suburbs. Thereupon as he was about to plant his siege, the Neapolitans sent their Orators unto him, among whom was one Stephan a man of much wisdom and authorittie in the city.  
He spoke these words in effect: that Belisarius did not well to make war upon the Neapolitans, 
The words of the Neapolitan ambassador to Belis.  which never had done him any wrong in all his life. They inhabited a city kept by the garrisons of Theodatus and the Goths, by means whereof he could not hope for any thing at their hands being under the jurisdiction and subjection of other men. But if so be it he might be so bold to say his mind, he did unadvisedly to longer there in deign. For had he once gotten Rome, he should straight ways obtain Naples. But if he were set beside Rome, he were not able to keep Naples though he had it.  
Wherefore it had been 〈◊〉 for hint to have gone first of all to Rome against the Goths that were there, and not to have stayed at Naples, the which should fall as an overplus to the lot of the Conqueror which way so ever the world went. 
The answer of Belisarius to them bassadour.  Belisarius replied thereunto, that whether he did advisedly or unadvisedly in tarrying about Naples, was no part of their charge to determine, for he asked not their counsel therein: but rather to take thought for those things that pertained to themselves, namely whether it were better for them to procure their own safeguard and liberty by receiving the emperors army, or by continuing in bondage under the barbarous Goths worthily to be besieged and utterly destroyed. For he was fully purposed not to departed thence until he had the city at his pleasure, his desire was to obtain the town rather without their destruction then with it. This was his saying openly. And secretly he persuaded suaded Stephan to exhort his Citizens rather to seek them poseurs good will & favour, 
Good counsel if it had been taken.  than his indignation displeasure. Thoratours at their return into the city, reported the 〈◊〉 of Belisarius. And when th●● came to consultation as concerning the same, Srephen being demanded his opinion in the case, said he thought it is dangerous a matter for the ●●●p●●●ranes, to turn the brunt of so great a war upon themselves, and therefore he wished them by some composition or 〈…〉. This counsel was furthered also by one ●nnochus a Syrian dorne, who had continued long time at Naples as in the way of traffic & merchandise, a man of great wealth & of much credit among the Neapolitans, he by persuading the like that Stephan had done, had moved many to be of his opiniont the people also & the commons of the city were deunrous of the same. In so much that shouts were openly heard trying ●ut to have the gates set open and Belisarius let 〈◊〉. There were 〈…〉 Goths in garrison, who albeit that it grieved them 〈…〉 for as much as they durite not withstand the will of the people, 〈◊〉 themselves together. Pastor and 〈…〉 friends of the Goths, 
The crafty dealing of Asclepiodotus and Pastor.  and therefore ●●rye to see the present estate of the city altered, when they saw how the people were bend, durst not openly gainsay meyr oesyres, out wrought by an overthwart means to break ●●●●●●ment. And thereupon allowing and praising openly all that was determined in the assembly, as though it hat liked them very well, they co●●●selled to knit up the matter strongly with many bands and covenants, 
Fair words make fools feign & wise men to sometimes.  reoviring an oath for performing of the same. The articies that they had d●●●sed were such as they thought Belisarius would not have consented unto, in esperialtye saying he should be swornen to the performance of them. Therefore in as much as they seemed to speak these things of good will to the people, they obtained to have the decree made according to their own devise. And thereupoon all things were penned and fair words engroced. Stephan 〈…〉 with the Book from the City to Belisarius. Who after he had perused the same agreed to every article, and effered to be sworn for the keeping of them. Stephan 〈…〉 thereof into the city. 
The malice of Pastor and Asclepiodotus bursteth out.  Whereas the people greatly retoysing began to 〈◊〉 to the gates, saying that Belisarius should be let in. Pastor and Asclepiodotus seeing this, when they perceived that their first crafts took n● place, called together the Goths and citizens of Naples such as were of their own faction. Declaring unto them that it was a folly to lose the town at the pleasure of the unskilful multitude.  
For what man 〈…〉 that could not understand 〈◊〉 if Belisarius were in any hope at all of winning the city, he would never have consented to th'articles that were sent unto him. But now because he was out of all hope, he had granted to those things which he would not stand to, to th'intent to make them traitors at their uttermost peril. For if he bore them so much good will as he pretended, he would not have there tarried to surprise them by subtlety, but would have kept on his way to try the matter by battle against Theodatus and his Goths.  
By alleging these and such other things, they both persuaded the Citizens to make resistance, and also encouraged the Goths to stand to the defence of the City. Besides this they arened the jews, of the which there was a great multitude in Naples, & caused them to take their part. By means whereof the rest of the citizens were put in fear, and all the communication ano covenants 〈◊〉 Belisarius were broken. Belisarius therefore after that time addressed himself to the siege. Oftentimes when he attempted to win it by assault, he was put to the repulse with great loss and peril of his soldiers. For the walies of Naples are partly environed with the sea, and partly do stand upon high and steep places, so that it is a very hard matter to scale them. The conduit pipes by which water ran into the city, albeit they were all broken by Belisarius: yet not withstanding it scented to be no great discommodity to them that were besieged, because they had many Welles in the town, so that they could want no water. But most of all hurted them the hope of help to come, for as much as they had sent their Ambassadors to Rome for aid against their enemies. Now as Belisarius was in manner passed hope, and thought to have broken up his siege, Fortune wonderfully opened the way of conquest unto him. There was a water channel cut deep into the ground by which water was wont to be conveyed into the city. This at the beginning of the siege had Belisarius broken (as he had done other before). A certain soldier of Clandiople by chance entering into the same, went in it hard to the walls of the city. 
Good fortune of Belisarius.  There was at the place where it went under the wall a stone not laid by man's hand but of nature, through the which there was a hole bored to let, the water into the city, But the hole was not so wide that a man might enter in at it. The which when the soldier had well viewed, he perceived that if the hole in the stone were made wider, they might have passage into the City.  
And thereupon he made Belisarius privy to all that he had seen. The Captain greatly rejoicing thereat, and promising great rewards, bade the soldier choose some of his fellows to help him, and to open the stone more, not by digging and heawing least the noise of the striking should be wray them, but by fyling and scraping and that very softly. Look as the Captain commanded so the sovidyer did. To be short, through the continual and diligent paynestaking of the soldier it was brought to that point, that a man in harness with his sword and his target in his hand might easily go through. When the matter stood in this case, Belisarius perceiving he should be master of the City when he list himself, 
the clementy and mercy of Belisarius.  and loath that his soldiers should sack it, called out Stephan unto him again, and put him in remembrance of the miserable chances that are wont to happen unto Cities that are taken perforce, as the slaughter of men, the ravishing of women at every varlets pleasure, the burning of houses, the sacking and reaving of all places, and all other kinds of mischiefs.  
Wherefore he willed the Neapolitans to have respect unto themselves, and not to abide the uttermost at their peril, for as yet they had time to repent them of their folly, Stephan hearing these things, at his return declared the same to his citizens with sighs and tears. But they despising his words had him in derison for his labour.  
Belisarius therefore executing his prepensed purpose, 
The mean whereby Belisarius won Naples.  when he had fully determined to take the city, provided for the same in this manner. Assoon as ever it began to be dark, he chose out four hundred soldiers, commanding every one of them to put on his harness and to take his swords and his target in his hand, and being so armed in a readiness, to keep themselves close without noise, until they had knowledge what they should do. He appointed leaders of them Magnus and Ennas' stout men, in whose puissance he did put much confidence. When it was now past midnight, night, 〈◊〉 the matter so the leaders, and showing them the place commandeth them to leadche soldiers through the channel by torchelyght. And assoon as they were gotten into the city, he taught them what they should do, willing them to take some part of the wall, and to give token thereof by the sound of a trumpet. He himself had prepared before hand a great sort of ladders to scale the walls with, commanding all his army to be ready in their harness, whereof he had the nymblest and best practised about his own person. 
Shame surmounteth dread of danger.  Whiles he was thus about his matters, many of the soldiers that were with Magnus retired back for fear of the danger, and could not be made to go forward, neither by fair means nor by foul. Whom Belisarius sent away with great rebuke, supplying their rooms with two hundred of them that he had about him. Upon the which reproach even they that before refused to go, followed. The soldiers wont a long and a blind way in the channel. For it ended not at the wall, but led further into the city, being vaulted ever aloft with Brick In so much that the soldiers witted not where they were, until they espied the sky at the end of the vault. Then they perceived themselves to be in the mids of the city, out of the which place it was a hard matter for them to escape, because they had ill-favoured clymburg up upon the high walls wherewith e it was endosed round about. Nevertheless at length when one had helped up another & all were come out, 
Naples is caten.  they went to the walls there having slain the watchmen took two towers, & from thence gave a sign by sounding atrumpet, and making a great shout. By and by Belisarius made toward the same places, and rering up ladders commanded his soldiers to scale that town. In the same place happened much trouble & much taryens, by reason the ladders (being made 〈…〉 not able to reach the top of the wall. By means whereof they were driven of necessity, to bind two ladders one at th'end of another, & so to get up. This was done on the northside of the town, and at the same instaum was a sharp encounter at the other side of that town that is toward the sea. For in the same place fought a multitude of jews, lewd & desperate perfons, such as hoped for no favour nor mercy if that city were taken. 
The desperate fight of the jews.  And therefore they stood stoutly at defence, giving no place of entrance to th'enemy. Another part of the host had set fire on the East gate, & made haste to break into the city. In the mean feason the day began to break, & the soldiers the had scaled up by ladders, had broken open a gate to let in th'army, & there withal tother company rushed in at the East gate that was before set on fire. Then was there running through the city, and all places were defiled with slaughter and ravishing.  
But inesverially those soldiers played the Butchers, whose brothers or kinsfolk had been slain in the former conflicts by the Neapolitans a bout the City. For they after that the town was taken, used the victory very cruelly, sparing no age young nor old man nor woman. And the jews, which defended that part of the Town that is toward the sea, when all the rest of the town was taken, stood never the lose stiffly at their defence, neither gave they over before that the soldiers ronning about the City, assailed them behind. Then was enterans made on that part of the City also, and every place was repleneshed with slaughter and sacking. 
The elementie and gentle using of the victory by Belisarius.  But Belisarius himself after the taken of Naples, used the victory veri gently. For after that weapon was once Laid out of hand, he suffered not any Citizen to be either slain or taken prisoner, and he restored the women to their husbands and parents unravished and undefiled at all.  
Toward the Goths also which were there in garrison, he showed no manner of cruelty. As for Pastor and Asclepiodotus the Authors and causes of so great mischiefs, not Belisarius, 
Evil counsel worst to the givers thereof  but the people of the town themselves did justice upon. Who the next day after the taking of the city, ran to their houses and finding Asclepindotus at home killed him and drew him thorought the city. But they could not find Pastor. For he even in the very tumult of the taking of the city, either wilfully slew himself, or else died for bespaire and sorrow of mind. Yet notwithstaindinge the people bearing a deadly hatred against him, never left seeking him, until such time as they saw his dead carcase with their eyes. Neither could they be satisfied, but that they tore his body in pieces every member from other. And Belisarius did bear with their outrageous dealing, for the evil which they had committed, upon whom such cruelty was ertended. 〈…〉 this means both taken and saved.   

❧ The vij Chapter.  
¶ The Goths kill Theodatus and set Up Virigis to be their King, Vitigis maketh an oration to the Senate and people of Rome, and leadeth away the chief of them with him for pledges, he marrieth the daughter of Amulusuentha and enteteth in league with the French men. Belisarius cometh to Rome, which is yielded to him by the Citizens, he for●fieth and victaileth the city and getteth certain towns from the Goths.  
THE Goths that dwelt at Rome and other places thereabouts, hearing of those things that were done at Naples, were stricken with great fear and mistrust in themselves. For they believed undoubtedly that Belisarius would come against them. Wherefore encouraging one another, and calling forth the rest that were men of war of their own nation, they encamped themselves between the cities of Anania & Taracina. There when 〈…〉 men of war of the Goths were assembled together, finding great fault with the former misgovernent & present cowardness of Theodatus, 
The election of Vitigis with the deposition & death of Theodatus  finally they made insurrection against him in the camp, and set up Vitigis to be their king. This Vitigis was not borne of the blood royal, but he had always been known for a stout Captain & a good man of war, & through his valiant behaviour he had purchased much honour & authority. Theodatus when he hard thereof, stolen privily away & fled toward Ravenna with all the speed he could make. But the new king sending of his guard immediately after him, overtook him by that way & killed him. After this Vitigis came to Rome, & there making an oration to the Senate & the people, put them in remembrance of the benefits of Theodorich, 
The oration of Vitigis to the Romans.  exhorting them not to work any novelties. For he told them that the Goths had a great power in italy, and that those things which had lately happened chasiced not through the imbecility & weakness of their nation, but because that the Goths could not find in their hearts to love & obey Theodatus. But now considering they agreed all in one will & drew all by one line, clean contrary effects must needs follow. And therefore no man should be able to attempt any alteration hereafter in Italy, but that he should be met with to his cost. All these things he did discourse before Liberius bishop of Rome. And for because he was but a new found king, he caused the bishop & the people toswere to be true unto him. For the more assurance whereof, he chose many of the Senators and people of Rome, whom he led with him as pledges, committing the charge of the city to one of his noble men called Luderis, with whom he left four thousand chosen soldiers to keep Rome withal. He himself with the residue of his army made toward Ravenna. When he came thither, to my intent the more to establish his estate, 
Vitigis merieth.  he took in marriage the daughter of Amulusuentha niece unto the late Theodorich, whom Theodatus had kept in ward like a prisoner. And so by aliing himself with the blood royal, he advanced the honour and dignity of his crown. This dene, he ceased not to muster the Goths through all his realm, and to furnish them thoroughly with horse and harness, and vigilantly to provide for all kind of munitions and artillery for the wars.  
But as Vitigis was about to assemble the Goths that were about the river Po and the city Pavia and other places in Lombary of which there was great power and an huge number, a stop was cast in his way, namely the fear of the French nation. For at that time they had extended their dominion even unto the Alps, and on this side the Alps the Goths possessed al. These two nations were scarce friends out to another, but rather more men half enemies through privy harthurning among themselves. Furthermore it was well known, 
Vitigis entereth in league with the Frenchmen.  that th'emperor had lately solicited the French men to make war against the Goths. For the which causes Vitigis sending his Anthassadours into France endeavoured to rid himself of that fear, the which he at length obtained by entering in league and friendship with them. While Vitigis was laying for these things before hand, in the mean season Belisarius having refreshed and furnished his army, determined to go to Rome. Whereupon leaving Herodian with a garrison at Naples, and another garrison likewise at Cume, he with the residue marched toward Rome. His journey lay by the way that leadeth from Rome into Latium. The Romans hearing of Belisarius approach, were nothing discontended therewith. It chanced so that one Fidelis of Milan (who in the time of Athalericke had been 〈◊〉 of the king's house) departing from Rome met with Belisarius, & counseled him to bring his host with all speed near to the city, 
The Romans become imperials.  for he told him that the Romans were not minded to shut their gates against the emperors army. And in deed by all men's talk it was to be seen that the people were of the same mind with in the city. With the which things the Goths being sore dismayed that were left there in garrison, determined fully to go all away: saving the Captain Luderis: who standing upon his reputation, had rather to have died then to abandon the town committed to his charge. The Romans gave that Goths free passage without interruption. And so it fortuned that at that very same day & hour that the Goths went out of Rome at the gate of Flaminius, Belisarius entered in at the gate Celimontana, otherwise called Asinaria. After the Belisanus had been received into the town with great joy & gladness of all estates, he 〈…〉 and the people, & afterward used great diligence in repairing the walls & fortifying of the city. 
Belisarius fortifieth and vic tayleth Rome  For he not only mended the walls and builded bulwarks in places convenient, but also cast up trenches and rampires abcute them. And moreover converyghed thither great store of grain by water, the which he caused to be laid up in common gratters. The Romans although they wondered at the wisdom of their captain, yet that liked not this his so 〈◊〉 diligence in fortisting of the city. For so noble a captain as he as being enticed 〈◊〉 Rome with the emperors army, ought not to think of being besieged, but of besieging others. Howbeit to say the truth Belisarius weighing with himself his own weakness & the great power of the Goths, did already in his mind forese what was like to ensue. And yet was he not altogether idle in the mean season, but by his petty captains Constanting and Belisarius some time he recovered Narma, Spolet, 
Belisarius goetteth three towns from the Goths.  & Peruse by composion. Also there was a battle fought against the Goths not far from the ettie of 
* Now called Perugio.  Peruse. For Vitigis immediately upon intelligence of the revolting of the Perusians, sent Vuilas and Pyssa with an army into Thuscance to the intent as well to keep still in due obedience such as had not revolted, as also to subdue again such as had forsaken their allegiance.   

❧ The eight Chapter.  
¶ A battle is fought at Perusa between the Goths and the imperials to the loss of the Goths. Vitigis marching toward Rome staveth at the river Anio, where the next day encountering with Belisarius the putteth him to flight and so proceedeth to the siege of Rome with 〈◊〉 hundred tousande men.  
THere was at Peruse Consiantine one of Belisarius captains, and he had assembled thither all his men of w●rre saving a fowe soul dyer's that he had left in garrison at Spolet. 
A patten between the Goths and the ijmperialls  Now at such time as the gothish army approached and was come almost hard to the walls of Peruse, Constantine with his men in order of battle ready to sight, issued out of the City and set upon the Goths. Great was then counter with much force and puissans on both sides. The Goths were greatly furthered by their multitude, and the soldiers of Constantine by the advantage of the place, & thassistens of the City at hand. After long fighting, the Goths at length were overcome & put to flight, great slaughter was made of them and many were taken prisoners, among whom Vuilas and Pyssa the Captains were taken and sent to Rome unto Belisarius. Vitigis therefore having besides the loss of his towns received moreover this slaughter, thought it was not to make any further delay, but with all the power of the Goths that he was able to raise, set forward to the wars. when he removed from Ravenna toward Rome, 
Vitigis marcheth toward Rome with 200000. fouldyers.  he had in his host. CC.M fighting men, of which the most part were armed in Almain rivetts. With this so huge host he marched toward Rome in such terrible manner, & with such speed, that it was to be doubted lest that Belisarius would not have abidden his coming. And therefore he made not any stay either at Spolet, Peruse, or Narma, but kept on his way still toward Rome. Belisarius when he perceived so great a brunt of wars turned upon his neck, commanded Constantine and Bessas' to return to him out of hand, with such power as they had about them. Constantine obyed his commaundeinent and came with his army forthwith out of Thuscane to Rome. But it was somewhat later ere that Bessas' did set out of Narma, in so much that he was entangled with the first fore-riders of the Goths. For Vitigis way lay hard under Narma. Whether as soon as the Currours were come, Bessas' issued out of the city and skirmished with them, & he put many of their troops to flight and slew divers of them. Nevertheless by reason of resort of more & more still to the res cow, he was compelled to withdraw himself again into the city. From whence he made haste to Rome & bare ridings that the Goths were at hand & within kenning. The Goths passing by Narma went through the country of the Sabines into the fields of Rome. When they came near the town they stayed at the river Anio. For beisarius had fortified the bridge on both sides the water with bulwarks & enclosures, & had set a garrison of soldiers to keep it. By means whereof the Goths at their first coming being not able to get over, 
The shameful flight of the soldiers of Belisarius.  encamped themselves beyond the river Anio. But the next night following they the were set to keep the bridge, being dismayed at the number & fercenesse of the barbarous people, forsook the towers & bulwarks of the 〈…〉 away went into Campanie for fear't least Belisarius should punish them for their labour. Belisarius was minded to have pitched his camp by the river Anio directly against the camp of the Goths, to th'intent to have detained them the longer in the same place. And therefore that next day he went thither with a M. horsemen to view the costery & the Deameanour of his enemies & also to choose a meet ground to encamp in. 
An encounter unlooked for.  As he was going thither, when he came almost at the 〈◊〉 contrary to his expestation he met with the Gothyshe horse men. For the Goths but even a lytrie while before, pereceiving the bulwarks of the bridge to be abandoned, had broken open the gates and the barrier's, and had passed ever the river in great number. Whose sudden approach upon Belisarius other wise than he looked for, conunrayned him whether he would or no to put himself in the encounter.  
At the beginning Belisarius 〈◊〉 nothing but th'office of a Captain, encouraging and commanding his soul dyer's and shewing what every man should do. But when he saw his men overlayed & like to go by the 〈…〉 of the staff, than was he 〈…〉 compelled to leave the office the Captain, and to play the stout soldier. For he was fain to put himself into the forefront of the battle, and there to lay his hands about him stoutly and valiantly as other of his soldiers. The which days surely he was in great danger upon such occasion. He had a goodly horse, upon which he was commanly wont to ride, of colour bay with a white list from his forehead down to the nostrils, as he fought upon the same horse among the formest in the battle, certain runnagats knowing him, cried out to strike the Vale. (For so do the Goths term a bay horse in their language,) & there was none other noise over all the field but to strike the Vale, By means whereon it came to pass, that all the brunt of the battle was turned upon Belisarius. 
Danger the whetstone of courage.  And undoubtedly if a puissant band of his very sanulier friends had not clustered about him and styked notably to him, yea and with their own bodies and their own armour, kept of a then saved strokes and a thousand weapons both from the horse and from BElisarius himself also, it had never been possible for him to have escaped. But as at the time he was valiantly defended, both by his own prowess fight most expertly & commingly, and also by the help of his friends and familiars, who with incredible love clynged fast about him. In this place many of Belisarius very friends were slain, and inespecially one Maxentius a man of singular activity who fighting about Belisarius, after that he had showed many proses of his manhood and prowess, and slain many of the Goths, at the last being very sore wounded fell down dead. At the length such as were about Belisarius making press upon their enemies, put them to open flight, & pursued them hard to the bridge. But the footmen the stod at the bridge recountered Belisarius & his men, & easily put them back. The horsemen seeing thee, turned again & assailed them behind, by means whereof they were of necessity compelled to withdraw themselves for their own safeguard unto a higher ground. 
Belisarius is compelled to tlye.  There also then counter of horsemen being renewed, & the number of the enemies still increasing, after the many had berry slain on both parts, at length they were forced to sty toward Rome upon the spur. They ton dewarde the gate that is commonly called Pmcian. The Goths chased Belisarius hard to the gate inso much the some were stricken from the wall. There was also much a do in the same place. For the Romans that kept the walls, for fear of their enemies so near at hand, durst not open the gate. Neither was Belisarius him self known, albeit he called aloud unto them, because the Sun was then down, & he fore dissiguret 〈…〉 & sweat. 
Belisarius putteth the Goths to flight.  Therefore when they had cast themselves in a ring before the gate & could not be let in, & that menemy was hardat their backs, Belisarius encouraging his men, gave a new charge up on his enemies, & putting thenrs night drove them far from the gate. So when he had dispersed his enemies, he was then perfectly known, & led his soldiers into the city, The fight of this day was very sore and 〈◊〉. For it began anene after the son rising, & it ended not until it was dark night. Belisarius by the judgement of all men was deemed the best warrior that day that was on his side. And among the Goths, Vssidius. When Belisarius was returned into the City, he commanded as well his own soldiers as the Town semen to keep warche on the walls that night.  
Distriburinge the gaces to his Captains every one, one to keep. giving them charge that if any alarm were given, no man should styree out of the place where be was appointed. 
A larmes given to the City of Rome. in the night.  The same night many Alarms were given and divers of them false. For it was cried through the City that th'enemy was entered in at the gate of janiculun, and thereupon weapon was fearfully taken in hand. And the noise could not be stinted, until such time as messengers coming from thence, brought word that all was quiet and no enemy seen or heard of there. At the gate Salaria was another Alarm, & that not without some cause. For the Goths coming to the gate in the night, called to the Romans that stood upon the walls, & there one of them named Bachius a man well known in Rome whom Vitigis had sent thither for the same purpose, 
The words of Bachius to the Romans.  spoke unto them saying How is it with you ye Ramaines are ye not ashamed of your folly? to commit yourselves to the ruition of a few Grekyshe men, mariners, and players, of enteriudes, & good for nothing else, despising the power of the Goths, which even at their very first coming have put them to flight and besieged them? Surely the Goths have not deserved that ye should work so great trcason against them. But repent and amend, for this is th'only way for you to escape, if you will open the gate for the Goths to enter in, not against you but against those Greeks. But if ye be so mad to persist in your folly, look assuredly for such war at the Goths hands, as, willbe to hot for you to abide. This our king Vitigis commanded to be told unto you. The Romans made none answer at all to his words. But as soon as it was reported that the Goths were there, there was ronning thither from all parts of the city. The Goths having tarried a little while, returned to their kings tent which was between the city and the river. And thus paved over the 〈◊〉 night. The next day the Goths seeing no body come for the guive them batter in the field, addressed themselves to the siege. th'rder whereof was this.   

The ix Chapter.  
¶ th'rder of the siege of Rome, the politic proision of Belisarius for the defence of the same, what engines the Goths made for to assault the same, and of their going to the assault.  
THey pitched their denter in 〈◊〉 places about the city, 
The siege of Rome.  from the way of fiaminius, unto the ways that leadeth to Prevesie, This camp besieged five gates of the city. Afterward they unbattelled the vii camp on the further fyde of the bridge Militius. This last Camp besoiged the gate of Aurelius and cut of the ways that lead over the river Tiber. They fortified their camps with ditches and trenches and turrettes of timber. And as well on the onesive as on the other of the Tybeer they made havoc of all the came in their way. Belisarius o the contrary part pprovided in this wise for the defence of the city. The gate called Pinciana which was directly against the greater camp of the Goths, together with the nextegate unto it on the right hand called Salaria, & whatsoever was on that part of the walls thereabouts, Belisarius took unto himself tokepe. The gate toward Preveste he committed to Bessas'. The gate of Flamivius which is on the left hand of the Pincian gate, he delivered to Cōstan●●nand at every other of the gates he set a keeper. The Goths going about the City broke all the Conduittes. 
The conduius about the City.  There were of them in all fourteen made of wonderful work, by the which water was conveyed into the City. By the breaking of these, the Romans were not so greatly afflicted with scarcity of water, as with want of cornemylles.  
For the conduit that ran down no the top of janiculum, through the forth erside of Tiber into the city, running swiftly down the steep hill, did virue many mills. The like commodity of grinding was also ministered by other of the conduits in divers places. The which being then broken, brought great distress upon them that were be seiged. 
A provision for grinding of corn.  Against this displeasure Belisarius provided this remedy. Two lighters with a space between them for a wheel to go in, were fastened together with strong rafters of timber, upon the which the mills were set and so driven with the swiftness and violence of the stream, and the lighters were stayed with Cables strained hard and made fast on both sides of the river. These lighters he placed hard by the firsie bridge that leadeth over Tiber. After those he set other lighters on a row. And lest the enemy might hurt the lighters by casting down fire or other stuff from aloft, there were chains of iron drawn by the bridge to receive all such gear, and men set on both sides to take the same & carry it away. Thus was good provison made to supply the want of mills, for those lighters sufficed to grind as much as they would. As for the want of water, that did the river Tiber supply. Belisarius had on divers places of the walls devices many engines to strike and put back th'enemy withal. 
Engines for to assault the town. The battle Ram.  On the otherside the Goths provided great store of artillery and engines for the winning of the City. The angins were these. Fyrune four battle Rams which were made after this fashion. Four posts of timber of like high equally distant are set square one against another. These pillars are fastened with eight over ways four at the top & four at the foot, so that it standeth as it were a pretty square house. The same is covered above with leather to the intent that such as are within it should not be hurt from the walls. Aloft is laid a beam 〈◊〉 at 〈◊〉 whereof hangeth down another beam as it were to the middle of the pillars fastened with plates of iron, the which hath a great square head of stelelike unto an anuild. The whole engine is driven upon four wheels fastened in the feet of pillars. When it is removed from place to place there are not fewer than L. soldiers within it to drive it forward. Who after the time they have brought it near unto the walls, do with a cewrtayne winch weigh up the foresaid beam that lieth overthwart, 
The great force of the battle Ram.  and when it is aloft do let it fall with all the whole sway that it hath. Then the head of the beam being let down, partly with violence and partly with weight falling upon the wall, doth batter and break in pieces all that ever it lighteth upon. Moreover the Goths made Turretes of Timber of like heigh with the walls, the which went upon five wheels a piece. Also they prepared a great number of scaling ladders, together with an immumerable sort of faggots of shrubs and straw to fill up the dyches. When all things were in sufficient readiness, Vitigis commanded all his men to be in armour by the break of the next day, whom he divided into companies, appointing what he would have every man to do The Goths were very glad of it and wonderful desirous of th'assault, 
th'assault of Rome.  some carrying faggotts, some bearing scaling Ladders and other some driving the engines toward the walls. Belisarius stood upon the vamure before the gate with the tallest men that he could choose out in all his host, 
Thunskilfulnesse of the Goths.  giving all the rest of his retinue charge, not to stir out of their places before he gave them warning. The turrets (which I toolde you that the Goths had prepared) were drawn with Oxen and set before the rest of the other engines.  
The which thing when Belisarius beheld, he laughed at the simplicity of the Goths, that they should think naked Oxen able to draw an engine against armed enemies. And thereupon he commanded all his men to discharge their arrows at them, the which being done and thoxen forthwith slain, the engine stood still and could be removed no further. Such as carried skalinge ladders and faggots to fill up the dyches, being repulsed with the number of weapons coming from the vamure, could neither fill the ditches, nor get unto the walls, nor yet bring the battle Rams near. Nevertheless the battle of the Goths abode by it, and casting their shields over their heads, sometime with plain force came hard to their enemies, howbeit they were never able to win the vamure. Thencounter was with arrows, darts, javelins pikes and all other kind of artillery.   

❧ The ten Chapter.  
¶ The manner of the assault, the description of the tumble of the Emperor Adrian and the delacing of the same, the repulse of the Goths, the murmuring of the Romans against Belisarius, whereupon he advertiseth the emperor of his peril & necessity,  
While these things were in doing at the Pincian & Salaria gates, 
The continuance of the assault.  Rome was assaulted in three other place. For Vitigis setting part of his army tokepe Belisarius occupied, went himself with a number of soldiers to the gate that leadeth to preneste. And at the same instant another company of the Goths assaulted the gate of Aurelius. Another sort of them endeavoured to burst in at the gate that is on the tope of janiculum. Thus was Rome assaulted in four places at ones at the gates Pinciana and Salaria which Belisarius himself kept, at the gate prenestine where Bessas' stood, and at the gates of Aurelius and janiculum. But the Goths that assaulted janiculum were easily put back. For the place is step and uneasy to come unto, insomuch that a man could not well get to the wall though there were no body to let him. And therefore must their enterprise needs be to none effect, the place being defended by Paul one of Belisarius captains wioth a puissant band of soldiers. At the gate of Aurelius was some what more danger. The way was vaulted over that leadeth to the church of saint Peter th'apostle. 
Thassaulting of adrian's Pyle.  The Goths hiding themselves in the said porch, astone as they espied time for their purpose, broke suddenly out of their ambush, and in all haste made toward Adryans Pyle to win it. And they did so much with their Ladders, that at the first brunt they took the uttermost wall which encloseth the Pile and was four square. This Pyle was the sepuichre of the Emperor Adrian builded of most excellent and costly work manshippe. 
The description of adrian's tumble.  The first circuyt was made foursquare, all of white Marble of the Island Paros, garnished throughout with most exquysite works and portraitures. In the mids of this square riseth up as if were a tower of a very great height, and of such a breadeth that a man were searce able to throw a stone directelye from the one side to the other of the eight that was on the top. It hath a bridge leading from thence over the Tiber into the city. For the City endeth at the river Tiber, and this is on the furthersyde of the river. Yet notwithstanding because it had a bridge stretching hard to the walls of the Cyfye, and was (as it were) a certain Tower or bulwark, Belisarius provided before hand to have it well marmed and kept with his own soldiers, committing the charge thereof to Constantine. Constantine therefore when as a little before he saw his enemies passing over the River Tiber in boats, to assault that part of the City which is between the field of Mars and the gate of Aurelius, fearing the lowness of the walls, (for they were not very strong and defensible thereabouts near unto the River) ran thither from adrian's pile with a band of soldiers, leaving but a few behind him for the defence of the pile. The Goths hereupon (as we said before) having by means of th'absence of the Captain gotten the outer ciccuit, endeavoured also to win the pile itself. The soldiers that were above, to th'intent the more to endamage & repulse their enemies, 
The defacing of an excellent piece of work  committed an evil act. There were in the top of the pile on every side, upon the battlements great images of men, horses, and chariots, cunning  devised and excellently wrought. Some of these the soldiers tumbled down whole upon their enemies, other some they broke in pieces to throw at them, And so whether it were through the rudeness or through the lewdness of the soldiers, within few hours were destroyed the excellent innentions of the cunning est workmen in all the world, which cost so many years in making, and which were the greatest ornaments and the very heautie of the tumber. 
adrian's pile is rescowed.  Constantyve having in the mean while repulsed the evemy from the river, hearing in what jeopardy the pile was, rescued it by the bridge, and assailed his enemies from beneath, wherewith his own soldiers were greatly recomforted and encouraged. By this means the Pyle at length was saved, and the enemy repulsed. At the gate toward preneste also (where Vitigis and the Goths that he brought with him gave the assault) was great danger. For not far from the said gate was a place called Vinarium. The same was double walled, with a good space between the two walls. The ground be between them was very plain and level, and the walls some what weak. 
Rome in danger to be taken by assault.  Vitigis therefore and the Goths giving assault to the uttermost wall, albeit that there was vuleant and manful defence made against them, yet they wan it by sure force. Then Bessas' (to whose charge that part was committed) mistrusting that he was not able to continue long against so greats power of his enemies, sent word in all haste to Belisarius in what peril he stood, desiring him to come to his rescue with all the speed he could make. Belisarius somewhat moved with the matter. Left sufficient defence behind him at the gate Salaria, and himself with a band of his best soldiers ran though row the City to the same place. At his coming thither th'encounter was renewed a fresh, and the soldiers began to take heart at the presence of their Captain, The Goths had undermined the wall, and a great company of them entering in at the breach stood betweite the two walls. By means whereof the feyghte was very sharp and cruel in the same place. In fine th'assault came to this end, that the Goths were constrained to retire out at the same gap where they came in, with great slaughter and loss of their people. 
The repulse of the goths at the first assault.  As soon as they were gotten out, their enemies pursewing hard upon thee, chased them away, and set all their engines on fire. The like chance happened unto them at the Gate Salaria. For the soldiers breaking out upon them, burnt up all their Turrets and other engines. Thus was Rome in one day both earnestly assaulted in many places at ones, and valeantlye defended. There were stain at these assaults about three thou sand Goths, but yet the siege endured still.  
The Romans albeit then had Belisarius in great admiration for his prowess, 
The Romans murmur against Belisarius.  yet they murmured against him in that against so great a puisians of the Goths, he had with so small a handful in coparison styered up see great wars & cast the City of Rome into such extreme peril and imminent danger. 
Belisarius writeth to the Emperor.  The which thing Belisarius perceiving (for it was ●st done in huther muther) although he had duiers other times before advertised the Emperor justinian thereof. Yet notiwhtstanding being as then greatly moved with the matter, he wrote more earnestly unto him, declaring the besetgement of the City of Rome, with the huge multitude of his enemies and the little handful of his own men. For he said he had been feign to diminish his army that he brought forth with him, by leaving garrisonsof soldiers at Panormus and Syxacuse in Sicill: and by manninge of Naples Cume, & other places in italy, as need required for their defence and safeguard 〈◊〉 so that he had no more than v. thousand remaining about him, and yet he was besieged with an host of. CC.M The Romans unacquainted with such perils, would not endure the hazard of the siege. As for his own part, he had once vowed to spend his life in she Emperor justinian's service; th'end whereof he passed not greatly whether it came soon or late. Howbeit he said there was respect to be had how much the same should redound to the honour or dishonour of the Empire of Rome.   

❧ The xi Chapter.  
¶ Themperor sendeth new succours in to Italy, Afinarius and Vligisalus Captains of the Goths besiege Salons in Dalmatia. Vitigis winneth Portua, and causeth all the Romans to be put to death whom he held at Ravenna as hostages. Belisarius putteth all unable folk for the wars out of the city for consuming of victalls, and banisheth the pope upon suspicion of treason.  
THe Emperor justinian was us rye sore moved at the receit of these letters: 
The Emperor sendeth new succours into italy.  and thereupon commanded that certain soldiers which had been put in a readiness before should immediately sail into Italy, intending with all speed to levy a greater power. Valerian and Martian were appointed Captains of those soldiers which he had already prepared and which had wintered all the dead time of that year in Aetoly and Acarname. The news hereof beyng brought to Rome, put the Romans in good comfort looking for their arrival as soon as the time of the year would serve. While these things were a doing at Rome, 
The Goths besiege Salons in Dalmatia.  Asinarius and Vligisalus Captains of the Goths (whom Vitigis had sent with an host of men into Dalmatia, appointing to them moreover for their more strength a navy of ships), besieged Salons both by sea and land For Constantian perceiving him self to weak to match so huge a power as his enemies had, fortified the City thoroughly before hand and abode the siege. During the which, sometime yssewinge out of the town, he did great harm to the Goths both by sea and by land. In this mean time, Rome began to be more hardly distressed by the siege. For Vitigis after the time that he had taken so dishonourable repulse at the foresaid assault, being therewith somewhat quickened, ceased not to seek & search all means possible to be devised, whereby he might annoy his besieged enemies. There was a haven by the Sea side standing on the right hand of the Kyver Tiber, and adjoining to the same a city environed with a strong wall. In the which place were wont to be set a land all such things as were brought by water: 
Vitigis winneth Portua,  and from thence again either by land or by water were conneyed to Rome.  
Vitigis therefore sending thither sudden lie a great number of his soldiers, assailed the said city of Portua unwares and won it ere the townsmen could put themselves in a readiness to make resistance against so great a power of the Goths. By taking of this town straight ways ensued great distress at Rome, when their vent of fetching in of corn and victiaulls was once stopped. For the Goths leaving a garrison of soldiers there, 
The cruel commandment of Vitigis against the Roman hostage  did keep both the town and the mouth of Tiber suffering nothing to be conveyed in. It was not long after but that Vitigis sent commandment to Ravenna, that all the Citizens of Rome, which (as is declared) he led from thence and kept for hostages should be put to death. Many of them were of the nobility and many of the commonalty (surely worthy personages) all the which tasted of one cup saving a few who having inkling of the matter before, escaped by flight. Among the which number were Ceruentinus. & Reparatus the brother of Vigilins, that was afterward pope. For they having warning thereof, fled into France and saved their lives. the rest were all put to death. In the time that the Romans mourned and lamented for the siaughter of their eitizens at Ravenna, there came another sorrow in the neck of it. For Belisarius fearing lest grain should fail and ware searce, made proclamation that the citizens should send away their wives and children, with all tother multitude that was unmeet and unable for the wars compelling his men of war also to do the like which had either Lemons or lackeys with in the town. There were as yet two ways left them to pass out at. One leading to Ostia by the left side of the river Tiber, and another through the fields clean contrary from those places that were besieged by th'enemy. For the Goths (as we have said) did not environ the whole City with their siege, but only from the gate of Aurelius to the gate that goeth to Preneste. Beyond those bounds they durst not behold to be over busy, or to stray over far. For if they adventured over far from their Camp, they lightly ran in danger of coming short home, they could not stir any great way unless they went in great companies. By means whereof it came to pass, that men might at all times go and come safely by the way of Appius and the way of Ostia. The Romans therefore sent forth their wives and children and all their other people that were unmeet for the wars. Whereof some abode in Campanie, some at Naples and some in Sicill as every man thought most for his commodity and behoof. At Rome Belisarius gave straight commandment and looked narrowly to it, 
Belisarius divideth corn by the pole.  that the corn was divided by the poll, to the intent the no waste nor spoil should be made of it. The same time Belisarius banished the town Liberius the pope upon suspicion of secret conspiraty with the Goths. 
A pope banished upon suspicion of trcoson.  And anon after was Vigilius consecrated high bishop and installed in his steed. Other of the nobility of Rome also were banished upon like presumption, of the which number was one Marimus, whose great grandfather after the death of Valentinian had usurped the name and dignity of the Empire.   

The twelve Chapter.  
The aid that the Emperor sent into Italy cometh to Rome, Belisarius after practising his fouldiers in ikyrmishes, encountereth with the Goths in a main battle, and is overcome with great slaughter.  
While these things were a doing, 
New succour cometh to Rome.  Martin & Valerian (whom justinian had sent forth as I showed before) came unto Rome, bringing with them a thousand & fix hundred horsemen, the which for the most part with all Huns. Belisarius being recomforted by the coming of these Soldiers, determined to order his wars after another sort than he had done before. For he was not minded to stand still with in the City keeping of the walls, 
Belis. practiseth his Soldiers in Skytmisshes.  but every day sent out his light horse men and skirmyshed with his enemies in open field. By means whereof it came to pass, that both parts were wonderfully inflamed, and nothing was left unatrempted. For Belisarius being a most expert captain in fcats of arms, taught his horsemen what they should do, showing them how far they should go, & where and when they should stay. One while he sent out his horsemen suddenly at the gates Salaria and Pinciana, and disquieted the Goths that encamped thereabouts. Another while he would issue out at Aurelius gate and be doing with the Goths that lay between adrian's tomb & the bridge Miluius. In these conflicts the fouldiers of Belisarius began to prevalle. Not that they were able to match the whole power of their enemies horsemen, but because they seemed to be to good for them being equally matched as many to as many, or some what more in number than they themselves were, and to be of more cunning and audacity in their feighting. His horsemen being thus by little and little practised, began to set light by the horsemen of their enemies. And the besieged began to take courage and confidence unto them. To be short, it came to that point, that they would not any more skyrnisshe, but fight it out in the plain field with hand strokes.  
For the Captains and the Soldiers had lain so sore at Belisarius, and had so often and so earnestly entreated him, that he determined to try some greater encounter. 
A battle between the Goths and Belisarius.   
And thereupon he disposed his army in this wise. First he commanded one band to issue out at the gate of Aurelius and to stand in battle ray before Adrianus tomb against their enemies. The charge of this band he committed to Valentine Lieutenant of the horsemen, giving him besides his horsemen a certain of the old expert footmen, and of the people of Rome, which of their own free will requested the thing at his hand. He would not have these footmen stand with the horsemen, but willed them to take the hills which rise over the plains on the left hand of janiculum. And he gave Valentine commandment to make a show as though he would ener give an onset upon the enemy, but in any wise not to encounter with them unless he were compelled. For his mind was no moor but to detain that part of the Goths that encamped in that place, still there, to the intent they should not secure their felowed all the gate Saiaria where he determined to fight. Then made he two other battles, one at the gate Saleria, and another at the gate Pinciana. And in them both he placed the horsemen in the forward, and the footmen in the rearward, commanding each battle to issue out at their several gates and to march toward their enemies. Vitigis king of the Goths having intelligence by certain runagates that he should have battle the next morrow, caused the Goths to arm themselves by the break of the day. In ordering of his battles, he set his footmen in the mids, and on each side of them his horsemen, as it were in wings. In this order he proceeded against Belisarius and gave him battle. The Soldiers on both sides encountered together very fiercely. And the captains following after them, Belisarius on the one side and Vitigis on the other, encouraged their parties. At the beginning of the battle, the Soldiers of Belisarius were far to strong for their enemies, and many of the Goths were slain. The battle was fought hard by their camp, by means whereof the Goths abounding in multitude, sent ever fresh and fresh in steed of them that were overthrown. In this sort the conflict lasted until it was noon, neither party getting advantage of other. Howbeit the Soldiers of Belisarius fought more cheerfully. The Goths held it out only with sufferance. In the mean time the battle that stood at the Sepulchre of Adrian, encountered with their enemies. For the people of Rome descending from the hills gave charge upon the Goths.  
And Valentine perceiving his people entangled with their enemies, marched forward with the Host whereof he was Captain, from the rumbe of Adrian, and assailed his enemies also. By 〈◊〉 whereof the Goths were not able to endure long against them, in especially foras much as they were abasthed at the great number that came down from the hills, so that being not able to recover again to their Camp, they were fain to fly further of. Now, the Romans that came from the higher grounds fell by and by to rifling of their enemies Tents. By means whereof neither they themselves pursued their enemies, nor yet the Soldiers, 
It is ill fishing before the net.  but suffered them to go where they woulds. For the Soldiers perceiving them to fall to rifling, to the intent they would not lose their part of the Pray, left the pursuit of their enemies, and returned to spoil their Tents also. And so the Goths being let slip, when they saw that no 〈…〉 them stayed in the next mountains. From thence beholding their tents to be pulled down and earyed away, when they perceived how their enemies kept neither any order nor warrelyke discipline, they encouraged one another and gave a new charge upon them. Whom (by reason they were laden and scattered in gathering of the spoil) they easily overcame, and so both faved their tents and also recovered their prey. By that time Fortune began to change her copy about the kings camp also. For the Gothishe footmen resorting in great number out of the next camp, east themselves upon Belisarius horsemen, and kevering themselves with their shields in manner of a vault, pressed so sore upon the forefront of their battle, that they compelled them to lose ground. The which thing when their horsemen that stood on the right wing perceived, they a●o avayied Belisarius horsemen on the side. Who being not able to abide the brunt and force of them any long time, 
Belis. and hysmen put to flight.  of length retired to the main battle of their footmen. The which being not of strength sufficient to withstand the violence of the enemy, was with great slaughter like wise put to flight. How be it, there were two Peticaptaynes named Principius and Taruunt, whose manhood and audacity was well approved in that place to their great commendation and immortal fame. 
The valiantness of Principius and Tarnunt.  For at such time as all the rest fled, they two keeping their standings, put themselves against the whole power of the Goths, and kept them occupied, to th'intent that their company might have space to recover the city, so long until Principius being pitifully mangled all his body over, after long seyghting fell down, and about him two and forty of his retinue: and Taruuntes being of like valiantues and courage, when he ha● lost much blood at his wounds, and that his strength began to fail, was carried out of the battle to the Pincian gate by his brother whether he would or no, and there fell down dead.  
After whose departure the Soldiers ran full flight toward the City. 
The peril of them that were overcome.  The Romans standing upon the walls did shut that gatesagainst them, for fear lest their enemies should have entered in with them. by means whereof a great fort of the soldiers were shut out who getting over the Vaumure, stood with their backs to the wales and their faces toward their enemies, having no way to save their lives but one, which was to be defended by them that stood upon the walls. For the most part of them having either broken their wapons in the battle, or else thrown them a way in the chase, had not where with to defend them selves Howbeit those that were upon the battelmentes defended them with stones. This battle being begun at the Camp of the Goths at the last ended hard at the gates and walls of the Town. There were slain of Belisarius men a great number, and those of the valiantest and best practised.   

¶ The xiii Chapter.  
❧ Of divers skirmishes during the continuance of the siege, the Goths environ the City with another Camp whereupon groweth scarcity, and anon after ensueth the plague. Belisarius by his policy caused scarcity in the gothish camp likewise, into the which the plague spreadeth itself also.  
AFter this barrel Belisarius abstained certain days from fighting, 
The syndged child dreadeth fire.  and was content to defend the walls only. At the length, when he had well heartened his fouldiers, he began to lead them forth again. But he durst not any more encounter with his whole power. Only he persevered to make light skirmishes as he had benn wont to do before. Of the which some were very notable specially such as were against those Goths that encamped on the hither side of the bridge Miluius overagainst the gate of Aurelius. 
skirmishes about the bridge Miluius.  For in the same place is a plain ground very fit for horsemen to skyrmisshe in, and in the same plain standeth a theatre builded in old time for masters of fence to play at weapons in. About the same theatre were many hot skirmishes. Because that either the fouldiers of Belisarius did take and use it for a camp, or else the Goths preventing them laid ambushes in the same. Moreover, both at the gate Salaria, and the gate Pinciana, day by day was skirmishing, almost every day. The Goths therefore considering how the siege was like to continue long, thought there was no hope of winning of the City any other way then by famine. For albeit that the taking away of that haven might seem to have been a great annoyance: yet not withstanding (as man's wit is imaginative specially in extremity) the hoys and such other ships of burr then as were wont to arrive at Portna, arrived at Autium, 
Adversity ●●keth men wise.  and there unloading their corn and other necessaries sent them from thence to Rome by land. The Goths therefore desirous to cut of this commodity from the Romans also, pitched the eight Camp about the City between the way that leadeth into Latium, and the way of Appius. For there are in the same place two conduits, the which crossing each other do stretch as it were into two arms, and leaving a certain space betwixt them do meet a gain a good way of. They are from the City about five miles. The ground between the said arms the Goths took and enclosed with a Wall of stone laid with lome. And so by that means they had a strong and well fortified camp, wherein they placed seven thousand horsemen, who infesting both the upper mast and the neither coast, 
The great peril that Rome stood in.  stopped up the way into Latium, the way of Appius, and the way to Ostia cutting of all liberty of conveying in of corn. Through this, they that were besseged stood in worse case than ever they did, and it was none other like but that Rome should be famished. Yet not withstanding as long as there was corn in the fields, the Soldiers would steal out of the town in the night time, and fetch in corn, the which they sold very dear to the Citizens, and so relieved the necessity for a while. But when that this shift once failed, than all things lay in utter despair. Now was the Sun at the highest and the days at the longest, and the plague began to reign in the town, so that divers died, 
A plague.  not only of the common people, but also of Belisarius Soldiers. They were brought to a great distress, and to afore afterdeale, and therefore the Romans reforting to Belisarius, bewailed their heavy misfortune, 
A piteous complaint.  in that they had brought themselves to such extremity by keeping their faith and allegeans toward the Emperor upon his promise. For their Citizens had been miserably murdered at Ravenna by their enemy, their city dishenorably besieged by that Goths, all things without that walls wasted & spoiled, & within the walls oppressed with intolerable famine & penury of all things. Wherefore they besought him to lead them forth against their enemy, for it were better for them to die like men with their weapons in their hadst then to pine away for hunger and to abide so great and so dishonourable calamities. When Belisarius heard them make their moan in this sort, he gave them scarce so gentle answer as the case required. 
A rough answer.  He said they were missaduised and led by rasshenes according to the nature of common people, which are wont to be led by rage rather then ruled by reason. They knew well enough that he was wont to be always ruled by Counsel and to do his matters by discretion, and not by wylfullnes. He looked for an army of men from the Emperor, the which being once come, if they were then so willing to feyghte as they made themselves to be, he might be able to warrant them victory without fail. The said army did bring with them an infinite deal of corn and therefore he willed them to depart and to let them alone with the order of the wars.  
The Romans with these words either recomforted or rather put in fear he began to imagine and devise with himself, 
the wise practice and policy of Belisarius.  by what means he might bring scarcenesss of corn among the Goths. For the performance whereof he practised this policy. He sent Constantin and Trajan with a thousand horsemen unto Taracine, and Martin and Seuthis with five hundred unto Tibur: and he placed another band at Alba. Unto all these he gave commandment that to the uttermost of their power they should stop all victuallers from the gothish Camp, and help to saufronduct them that were willing to go to Rome. And to th'intent that the Camp which lay at the conduit should not annoy them, he caused a bulwark to be fortified at the church of s. Paul, and appointed a troup of horse men toward in the same place, to th'intent to defend the ways (as far as they could) from thinvasions of the Goths. 
Reverens ba● to religion.  The church of S. Paul is without the gate toward Ostia, quite & clean another way from the church of S. Peter, both of them standing without the town and each of them having a porch from the gate of the City to the Church. These two temples of the Apostles The Goths in all the time of their siege did never violate. The priests continuing in them did their divine service freely without interruption or trouble, as they had been accustomed to do in foretymes. Constantine and Trajan therefore going to Taracine, when they had brought Antonia the wife of Belisarius at Naples and there left her, 
Antonia the wife of Belisarius.  returned back again and spoiled all the towns in those quarters, which ministered relief and succour to the Goths, and within short space they brought to pass, that nothing at all was conveyed to the Goths out of those places. Martin and Senthis also going to Tibur when they had repaired the walls of that town which were decayed, did daily molest and disquiet the Goths out of that place. By some means or other, & would not fuffer any grain to be carried to their camp, The same thing did they in like wife that were sent to Alba. By means whereof within very short space, 
scarcity and pestilence in the gothish Campe.  it came to pass that the Goths which were that be fyegers, were put to as much distress as they that were besieged. And besides the scarcity of corn, the pestilence also had spread itself into the camp of the Goths.   

¶ The xiiii Chapter.  
¶ A new supplement of soldiers cometh from th'emperor, for the safe convey whereof unto Rome Belisarius politicly provideth to the great slaughter of the Goths, who thereupon enter in communication of peace, so that a truce is taken whiles Ambassadors may go and come from th'emperor to whom the determination of all their controversies is referred.  
WHile these things were in doing, 
A new supplement of soldiers.  justinian sent another host of men into Italy. They were of Thracian horsemen eight hundred, of whom john the son of his brother Vitalian had the leading: and a thousand and three hundred mustered in other places, under the conduct of Alexander Maxcent and Zeno. Moreover three thousand footmen which came by water led by Paul and Conon. Also there were at Naples five hundred footmen prepared by Procopius of Caesarea. All these bands assembling themselves together, determined to go to Rome, they brought with them great plenty and store of victuals. The horsemen marched by the sea coast, and the footmen were conveyed by water. In the same fleet was brought great abundance of corn, and much corn was also carried by land in wagons. Belisarius having knowledge of their coming, 
A subtle policy.  for fear least the Goths should meet with them and interrupt them, invented this policy. He commanded the gate of Flaminius (which he had dammed up from the beginning of the siege,) to be opened in the night time and the baggage taken away wherewythall it was stopped. The which being done he sent certain of his soldiers thither the next morning by the break of the day ready harnessed and well appointed, bidding them put themselves in array and so kept them close without noise. Then he sent Trajan and Diogenes with a thousand horsemen out at the Pincian gate, commanding them to run to the camp of their enemies with as much noise as they could, and when their enemies were issued out upon them, to retire back again, and not to stay before they came to the Gate where they went forth. These thinbeing in all points thus accomplished, whiles they were fighting at the Pincian Gate, Belisarius suddenly issuing out at the gate of Flaminius with the rest of his army, made straight to the camp of the Goths, where he found all things unprovided and in manner empty on that side, as they that mistrusted no harm at all from the gate of Flaminius, because that it had been long closed up. 
a great slaughter of the Goths.  So that it wanted little but that he had won their Campe. Then turning himself toward the Pincian gate, & there getting his enemies in the mids between his two hoosts, he by assailing them on the backs, and those that were fled, by returning fiercely upon them before, struck them with an incredible slaughter. And upon this Battle there fell such a terrible fear among them, that they doubled their watch in their Camp, and took care for nothing so much, as how to defend themselves from the policies of Belisarius. The enemy being by this means troubled and put in fear, the emperors army without any let came unto Ostia. 
Communication of peace  The Goths therefore being wearied and vexed with many displeasures, and besides that, understanding how a fresh crew of Soldiers were come to the aid of Belisarius, began to consuete of breaking up their siege. For by that time a great part of their camp was dimished either by the plague or else by the sword, and many had been fain to forsake the Camp, either for their wounds or else for that they were sick. Vitigis therefore s●●dyng Commissioners, unto Rome (after that many things had been alleged, and answered on both sides to and fro, as concerning the equity of their case,) at length agreed to refer the determination of their controversies to the Emperor justinian, and he to decide the matter as he should think good.  
Here upon Ambassadors were sent to him, 
Truce taken for a tyme.  and a truce taken for thee months until they niyghte return again, and for the better observing of the truce, and performance of covenants, pledges were given and taken one both fydes. When things were thus seta at stay, the army and victuals that were meet at Ostia, came to Rome both by land and by water.  
¶ Thus endeth the first Book.    

The second book of Lenard Aretine, concerning the wars in Italy against the Goths.  

❧ The first Chapter.  
¶ There riseth occasion of grudge between the Goths and the imperials which groweth to altercation, so that in the end the truce is broken. Datius Bishop of Milan informeth Belisarius of the good wills of the Millainers towards the Emperor and it remised with great thanks Belisarius is put in danger of his life by one of his Peticaptaines, whom he would have punished for his misbehaviour the Goths going about to steal the City and to win it by treason are twice detected.  
Whiles things stood thus at a stay, and that the wars ceased by reason of the truce that was taken, (Belisarius yet nevertheless in the mean time keeping Rome, ano 〈◊〉 Goths their Camp and b●stiles) suddenly there fortuned complaints and altercation for breaking of the truce contrary to promise, 
Causes of altercation.  upon this occasion. There was (as I told you before) a garrison of Goths at the City Portua. Now the soldiers of the said garrison, when victuals failed them, forsook the town. They were not so soon gone out of it, but the Paul Captain of the Isautiens, remaining with the navyc at Ostia, entered into it. And within a while after, the soldiers of Belisarius received another City in Tuskye near unto the sea side called Centumcelles being likewise left up by the Goths. Moreover the Goths abandoned up the City Alba among the mars after the same sort, and the soldiers of Belisarius took it. When Vitigis knew that his enemies had taken those Cities, he sent commissioners to Rome, to complain of violating the Truce contrary to the articles of agreement. In that Portua, Centumcelles, and Alba towns of the Goths, contrary to all equity and conscience, were taken from them for the Goths had not given them up, but such as were there in garrison were come to him at his commandment, and should have shortly returned into the same again that which they did they thought they might the freelyer have done it by reason of the Truce. And therefore of reason, restitution ought to be made. Belisarius made answer to the commissioners in this wise. Return (ꝙ he) to the King your Master, and tell him that as for those things that he allegeth as concerning the calling of his garrysons from their charges, to send them thither again, are but feigned matters.  
For it was easy to be seen for what consideration the Goths forsook those cities.  
He confessed that it was not lawful for him by the truce, to take them perforce or to sceale them, but to enter upon such as had no owners, nor any body to keep possession, that he said was not forbidden. Upon this matter rose privy grudge and hartburning, the Goths seeking means to requite Belisarius with the like. For those three cities being taken, did Belisarius great pleasure and service for the wars. Winter drew on a pace. And Belisarius having men of war good store, determined to send forth his horsemen to winter in the country. whereupon besides those that went into other places. He sent MM. into the Country of the Picents'. Over whom he made captain john Vitalian giving him instructions what he would have him to do. There were in the same country the wives and children of the Goths, for the husbands & fathers were all come to the siege of Rome as many as were able to bear armour. If the truce conntinued, he bade he should not stir, but if the Goths should happen to work any thing contrary to the articles of the Truce, than he willed him to make havoc and spoil, and to take as many towns as he could. If any town made resistens he commanded him to besiege it, and not to pass from it until he had won it. For he thought it should not be for his ease to proceed onward, and leave the Towns of his enemies behind him. With these words and instructions Belisarius sent john among the Picentes with an army. The very same time Datius bishop of Milan, 
Datius bishop of Milan.  and with him certain of the head citizens came to Belisarius declaring unto him, that the city of Milan should be at the emperors commandment, if he would send never so slender a garrison thither. For they were of power sufficient of themselves to drive the Goths not only out of Milan, but also out of all lombardy, if so be it that the Emperor would but only bear the name of it. Belisarius entertaining them curtuously, and giving them most hearty thanks with gentle and honourable words willed them to put no doubt in the matter, 
A so deign danger.  affirming that when time served he would fulfil their requests. During this time that all things thus prospered and followed their desires, there happened an horrible danger, the which in one moment had almost turned all things up side down. There was one Presidius a citizien of Rome who being wont to dwell at Ravenna, in the beginning of this war stolen away from thence, and came to Rome. In his journey the soldiers of Constantyne which lay at Spolet, had taken from him a sword curiouflye wrought and costly vernyshed. The man being rob and takyngs the displeasure in ill part, had made complaint thereof to Belisarius with request to have his good restored again. And Belisarius had given commandment that it should be so. But by means of the war and of the siege which afterward ensued, the soldiers being otherwise occupied and the Captain busied about weightier matters, the thing was delayed. At the length in this time (as I said) whiles all things were in joyful estate, as Belisarius rod through the town. Presidius caught his Horse by the bridle, and with a loud and complaining voice, in the audience of a great number, asked him if it were meet that a citizen of Rome (who abandoning all that ever he had to the enemy had fled away naked) should also be rob by his soldiers of that little the he had carried away with him, and be thus wrongfully and iniurlously dealt withal. He said he had oftentimes put up his complaint unto him of the wrong and violence that had been offered, and could have no redress, and yet they that had rob him, had his good within the City, and did wear it daily before his face. These words did stir the patience of Belisarius very sore.  
And therefore affoone as he came home he caused Constantine to be called before him (for they were his soldiers that had taken away the sword) and gave him a great rebuke for neglecting of his commandment so oftentimes in delivering of the sword. Marry (ꝙ Constantine) I will rather throw it into the Tiber, than I will restore it to that Varlet. This was very lewdly and presumptuously answered. Then said Belisarius unto him, art not thou under me? Yes said he, for as much as it is the emperors pleasure. But yet for all that, in this one thing I will never be ruled by you whiles I live. When Belisarius heard him say so, he was more angry with him then before, and called for the Serieauntes. Constantine knowing that it should be to his cost that the Serieauntes were sent for, drew out his Dagger that hung at his thigh and like a Bedlam running at Belisarius, and dabbed him in a little beneath the stomach. Out of doubt if such as stood by, had not speedily stepped unto him, and wrong the Dagger out of his hand, and delivered him to the officers, Belisarius had surely died forit, and his death had drawn all things with it to utter ruin, & the Goths had the same day been made lords of all. But God of his infinite goodness would not suffer so great a mischance to happen. And after at the commandment of Belisarius, Constantine was put to death. Within a while after, 
Treason twice detected.  the Goths attempted to have raken Rome by stealth, first by a way that they found out in one of the channels of the conduits in the night time, and afterward by stealing over the river in boats near unto the field of Mars. But they miss of their purpose in both places. For in the channel their own lights bewrayed their covert working, by meaves whereof the channel was stopped, & they enclosed from getting out. And at the field of Mars their treason was detected, & so their attempt was made frustrate. The treason was devisedin this wise. Two rascal Varlets that dwelt by S. Peter's church (the Goths as is showed before, never offered harm or displeasure to that place, but in honour of th'apostle preserved bethe the buildings thereof and those that dwelled in them unhurt) had secret conference with Vitigis of betraying the city. And to bring their purpose to effect, they devised this policy. Beneath the field of Mars in one place, the walls were vexye weak & sore decayed for lack of looking to, by reason (as I think) they the had been before times, trusted altogether to the defence of the river. Vitigis therefore caused lighters & barges and all kind of boats to be put in a readiness at the bridge Miluius. For had he once set any convenient number of his soldiers, over on tother side of the river, he thought it would be an ensie matter, after the landing of the first, to convey over still more and more in the same vessels. He doubted nothing so much as that the watchmen that warded on that side should escry him and bewray his device. For the auryding of which doubt, he corrupted the two Remains for a piece of money, to further this attempt. To whom he delivered a sieping powder willing them to give it the watchmen with wine, to th'intent that when they had drunk the same, they might fall into a dead sleep. After these conveances were thus devised, & agreed upon, the one of them being stricken with repentance, disclosed the whole matter to Belisarius, and there upon the other being taken with the sleepy medicine about him, that the King had given him, was put to the torture and compelled to utter all the order of the matter.  
The which done, Belisarius caused his no and ears to be cut of, and setting him upon an Ass, sent him out at the Pincian gate to the Gothish Camp, to the intent that Vitigis might perceive how that his close working was detected, and his serret practices brought to light.   

❧ The two Chapter.  
¶ Upon the disconerrie of the treason the truce ceaceth, john Vitalian winneth diverse towns from the Goths. and amongst other Arminine, upon the taking whereof they break up their liege before Rome.  
WHen Belisarius had so only discovered these their crafty packings, 
The truce broken between the Goths & Belisarius.  he thought it not meet to observe the truce any longer with them. whereupon he wrare to john that he should execute his commission. He with his two thousand horsemen scouring the country of the Picents' through, took the wives and children of the Goths prisoners, and foraged & spoiled all the whole country from the one end to the other. moreover encountering with Vglitheus' uncle of Vitigis by the father's side, coming against him with an army of the Goths, he vanquished him and stew the captain himself with a great part of his host, & so like a conqueror ranged over all the whole country. When he had won many towns & that he was about to besiege Auriwm, it was not unknown unto him what a slender garrison was with in the town, but yet the place was of itself very strong & defensible. And therefore thinking it folly to spend the time in vain about the besieging thereof, he kept on his journey forward. The same opinion also had he of the besieging of Urbine. For the city being well fortified & strong of itself, scented of necessity to ask a long time in the siege thereof, & he had put all his hope in speedy celerity. He took fawm & Pisaurun, and then brought his army against Arimine in hope to get in, because he had heard say that the men of Arimine could not well agree with the Goths. When he had ones brought his host to this town, the cast such a terror upon the Goths thereby, that they durst not abide thereabouts, but removed unto Ravenna, and the towuesmen set open their gates to let him in. By this means john took Arimine, leaving behind two strong cities manned by the Goths, namely Auximum and Vrhine. All the which doings were clean contrary to Belisarius commandments. Howbeit he thought it better to be sure of Arimine, then to spend his time vainly in lying still about Auximum and Urbine.  
Whereunto he was the rather persnaded, because that Arimine a town so near neighbour unto Ravenna being taken, it was not lykelye that the Goths would tarry any long time after at the siege of Rome, but rather make haste to come away to the defence of Ravenna, and the places thereabouts. The which thing came so to pass in deed. For as soon as the Goths understood that Arimine was taken, they determined to break up their siege before Rome, and to departed thence. Vitigis therefore within a few days after set fire on his tents, 
The Goths break up their siege before Rome.  and with all the whole power of the Goths, dislodged. In his retiring he suffered great loss. For when the one half of his army was passed the bridge, Belisarius commanded his men to et upon them that were behind, among whom he made such a slaughter, that a great number of them that escaped his hands, for haste in getting over the bridge were thrown down on both sides and drowned. This siege of the city of Rome endured a whole year and nine days, taking his beginning about the xiiij or xu day of March. Now I will pursue the acts of either parts, and what provision was made on both sides after the breaking up of the siege.   

The iii Chapter.  
¶ Vitigis besieginge Arimine is by the diligence and industry of john disappointed of an assault that he determined to have given to the town, and repulsed with great loss.  
VItigis albeit he made seed toward Ravenna, yet not withstqanding he coveted to keep the cities of Hetruria and of other Provinces in their accustomed obedience. And therefore he placed at Clasium a thousand horsemen, as many at Vrbivetus, five hundred at Tudert, four thousand at Auxiwm, at Vrsine two thousand, five hundred at Cesena, and as many at Mountferrat. 
Vitigis goeth to besiege Arimine.  And he himself with the rest of his army went to besiege Arimine. Belisarius after the departure of the Goths, commanded Martin and Ildiger with a thousand horsemen to make haste to Arimine, & to bring john & his horsemen that were with him from thence, placing footmen there in their steds. The which thing he did to the intent he would not have that band (wherein were the best horsemen of the host) besieged by the enemy. For if so be it that Arimine were manned with foot men, he thought that the Goths would not bestow their labour in besieging of it. And if they should besiege it, he thought the footmen should be better able to endure out the siege then horsemen, for as much as it is a difficult matter to keep horses in a siege, and footmen might easily be conveyed to Arimine at all times by water from Aucon, which newly before had yielded itself unto him.  
hereupon Ildiger and martin forstowing no time, did fetch a wyndlasse far from their enemies and came unto ARimine. For the Goths by reason of the huge multitude of their army, were compelled to take more leisure in their journey, whereas the other being light harnessed, out went them a great way. When they were come to Arimine and had declared the mind and commandment of Belisarius, 
The wulfulnesse of john Vitalian.  john would neither obey himself, nor yet suffer his cousin Damian with his horsemen which were about four hundred, to be ruled by them. And therefore Ildiger and Martin departing from Arimine, led away with them all the horsemen that Belisarius had delivered unto john at his setting forth leaving behind them none but the footmen and those horsemen that john and Damian had of their own. Immediately hereupon Vitigis came and besieged the Town. At his first coming thither, he framed a tower of like height with the walls, the which was not drawn with Oxen as the other was before at Rome, but driven by soldiers that were within the engine. The Goths therefore set the same against that part of the wall, where they might with most ease approach, intending the next day to have won the Town by assault. But john the same night went out with his soldiers, 
The diligence and industry of john in preventing the purpose of his enemies.  and caused them to cut a brood and a deep Dyche on that side casting up all the earth that came out of it on that brow of the Dyche that was next the wall. And so one nights work disappointed the long prepensed labour of the enemy, cutting of all possibility of bringing the engine to the wall.  
Yet for all that Vititgis was minded to fill up the dyche, commanding all his army to prepare Fagotts and straw with such other baggage for the same purpose. And to the intent the tower should not the night following be set on fire by the enemy, he determined to draw it back again to the Campe. As the Goths were about it, john issued out with his soldiers, and set upon them being busy about the work. There was a great and cruel combat about the Turret, and many of the Goths were slain. How be it, after long fighting they drew it back again out of danger, but with such a staughter and so great loss of their best men of war, that they were utterly in despair of winning the town by force, determining to subdue it by famine.   

❧ The iiij. Chapter.  
¶ Belisarius endeth Mundilas with a power to receive Milan, who in his way at the City of Pavia by a mischance loseth a noble man of his company called Fidelis. Milan and certain other Cities of lombardy yield unto Mundilas. Vraias' the Nephew of Virigis goeth into lombardy against the imperials. Belisarius receiveth divers towns in italy by composition. Vitigis sendeth a crew of soldiers to Auxioum for the more strengthening thereof, the which making a road against the inhabiters of Aucon, through the folly of Conon Captain thereof make a greater slaughter and put the town in danger of taking.  
THe very self same time, Belisarius granted an aid of soldiers to the Ambassadors of Milan that came before unto Rome. He appointed Mundilas one of his familiar friends a very stout and valiant man to be chieftain of the said army. In the same band was also Fidelis of Milan whom we declared to have been Steward of the kings house. All these being conveyed to Geane by ship, went from thence to Milan on foot. And to th'intent they would not be hindered of their passage over Po, they carried Bots with them in Wagons, to ferry over the river withal. Marching therefore in this sort as I have told, when they had passed over the river Po, and were come to the City Ticiwm which is now called Pavia, the Goths issued out of the town and set upon them. For by reason that town had a strong castle in it, the Goths had bestowed many and precious things in the same, and had manned it with a great garrison. The skirmish was no sooner fought, but that the Goths were driven into the city.  
And so Mundilas passed with his army over the bridge that was hard by the town. In the same place was Fidelis of Milan stain. For he went into a certain church to make his prayers, and the residue of his company being all gone, last of all he came out alone, & as he would have taken his horseback, be overethrewe. The which thing his enemies that stood uppen the Wall perceiving, rushed out upon him and slew him, 
The death of Fidelis of Milan.  before that Mundilas and the soldiers wist of it.  
The death of this man was great sorrow both to the Captain and to the soldiers. For he was a noble man in his country, and of much power, and such a one as with his presence might greatly have furthered the war that was in hand. Mundilas therefore and the rest of his company keeping on their journey toward Milan, 
Milan and other cities of Lombary be come Imperial  were received into the City. Thereupon, Come, Bergome, Novaria, with the rest of the cities in those borders, following th'ensample of Milan, of their own accord received Mundunas and his soldiers. When Vitigis had knowledge of those things that had happened about Milan, he sent Vraias his brother's son with a great army into those costs, to shentent he should both cause such to keep their allegians to the Goths as had not yet revolted, and also (if he could) recover such as had already yielded.  
Furthermore, he wrote to Thewdeberre King of France (with whom not long before he had entered in league) desiring him to mimister aid unto Vraias. In this state or rather in this expectation were the matters of Lunthardie. Belisarius at such time as corns began to aware type, setting out of Rome, marched with his army toward his enemies. The Goths that were left in garrison at Tudert and Cluse, hearing that Belisarius was making toward them for as muthe as they thought themselves over weak to encounter against him, forthwith sent messengers unto him and yielded up their Towns by composition. While these things were in doing, Vitigis sent another army unto Auximum. For he was utterly determined to retain and keep still that City. With this army he sent a new deputy to have the charge of the Town and the men of war, named Varinius. Who adjoining his new sold years and the old crew together, purposed to attempt the winning of Aucon his next neighbour city, which was manned with a garrison of Belisarius. And thereupon he went with all his whole power against the inhabiters of Auton.  
That Town in those days was walled only on that side, that stood upon the hill, the lower places situated on the plain grounds albeit they were replenished with buildings, yet were they not enclosed with any wall. Therefore at such time as the Goths approached. Conon captain of the town and soldiers of Aucon, fearing lest the suburbs and the inhabiters thereof should be wasted and destroyed by th'enemy, came down from the upper part of the town with all his whole crew, 
The fool has dinesse of Conon.  and set himself against his enemy. But in that case Conon was to far overmatched For he having scarce a thousand soul dyer's, encountered with his enemies being four thousand. And therefore he did quickly abye his foolish hardiness. For being not able to stand against so many, he was at length vanquished, and being put to flight lost the most part of his men, and the City itself was with much a do hardly saved from taking. For when the soldiers retired full flight toward the town, the townsmen for doubt least their enemies should enter in among the soldiers, fearfully closed up their gates. By means whereof there was a great slaughter made of them even hard under the wall. And the Captain Conon himself was driven to so narrow an erigent, that he had none other way to save his life, but to be drawn up the wall by a line. The Goths rearing up scaling Ladders, endeavoured to win the city. Othersome setting fire on the houses that we spoke of before, burnt up all that was without the walls.   

¶ The .v. Chapter.  
¶ Narses an Eunuch the emperors Chamberlain cometh into Italy with a new power and meeteth with Belisarius about Aucon, where in consulting what is to be done after divers opinions of tother captains Narses persuadeth to go and rescue john Vatalian besieged in arimine the which Belisarius very pollitiquelye bringeth to pass. Through flattery and evall instigation riseth emuiation and discord between Narses and Belisarius Belisarius going with Narses to the liege of Urbine is of him forsaken and yet through good fortune winneth the town.  
NOT long after that these things were done at Aucon, 
The coming of Narses into Italy.  Narses came into italy with a new host of men. This Narses was an eunuch, a man that stood much in the emperors favour, and one that bore great rule and authority about him, For no man might command in the emperors court, but he only. Moreover he was threasurer of the Empire (which is the office of greatest honour and trust) and one of his privy counsel, by whom the Emperor was in manner altogether ruled.  
He brought with him into italy five thousand soldiers. The notablest among whom, was justine, Captain of the Illirien soldiers, & another, Narses a Persian borne. Also there were in his retinue MM. of Therules of whom were captains Isandre and Phavotheus. 
The meeting of Belisarius and Na●●●.  In the mean time Belisarius hearing in what danger the men of Aucon stood was come among the Picents': and so was Narses in likewise. The captains and their armies met both together about the town. There as they were consulting concerning the war that they had in hand, and were devising what was most requisite to be done next of all out of hand, there appeared many doubts and dangers in the matter. For if they should go and besiege Aurimum, john & those that were besieged with him in Arimine should be left in apparent icoper die, inespecially considering that food failed them. Again if they should go to Arimine, they should leave behind them at Aurimum a great garrison of the Goths, to the prejudice of their army and damage of the country.  
In giving of their verdittes many of them that were chief officers of the camp spoke much against the rashness of john, 
Opinions of th'officers against john.  in that he had shut up himself in Arimine contrary to the commandment of Belisarius, and that of a proud an covetous stomach, he had run upon his own head, without regard of his Captain or of his charge. 
A friend is tried at need.  When Narses perceived that, fearing least by the means john should be abandoned whom he loved most entirely, he spoke his mind to this effect. 
Thoration of Narses.  My Masters (ꝙ he) when men consult as concerning the public utility, in my opinion they ought to have an especial eye thereto, for it own self, and not to hinder it either for malice or for love. Certainly all other things set a side, when I way with myself the thing whereof we do consult, me thinks I spy this difference in the matter. If we delay the siege of Auximum, there is no let but that with in few days after we may attempt the same when we list. But if we make any tarriance in rescowing the soldiers that are at Arimine, we cannot afterward help them when we would. For ere many days to an end hunger will so pinch them, that they shallbe compelled to yield themselves to their enemies. And therefore what indifferent judge doubteth, but that most speed ought to be made thither where tarriance procureth unreconerable danger. But john (ye will say) deserveth not to be succoured because he despised his captains command meant, and through his own wilfulness cast himself into that danger. Admit that all these things are true the are reported of john. What then? shall we for the hatred we bear to john, wilfully suffer the destruction of so noble and worthy a City as Arimine is, and of the innocent soldiers besieged in the same? I beseech the O noble and puissant Captain Belisarius, if john have offended thee, wilt thou wreak his trespass upon th'emperor? who thereby should lose both his town and his soldiers, to the great preindice of the public weal? again what shall men think, or what shall men say of us and our armies if we sit ring still like a sort of cowards and beholding it with open eyes, shall suffer our companions in arms to perish, and our besieged City to be taken by the enemy, in manner hard under our noses? My opinion is therefore that without any further protracting of time, we lead our armies to Arimine, to secure our men that are in danger. And afterward (if it shall seem expedient) to besiege 
* Now called Ozimo,  Auximum & other of our enemis holds. To further th'opinion of Narses with all, that very same time came letters from john unto Belisarius, advertising him that the soldiers coustrained by famine, had fallen to composition with their enemies, to yield within seven days, unless they were restowed in the mean while. Hereupon, the opinion of Narses was confirmed by the assent of all the whole counsel. When it was once fully condescended that succour should be ministered unto john with all speed possible, 
The politic prouisi● of belisariu● for the rescowinge of Arimine.  Belisarius provided for the same in this wise. first he commanded Aratus to abide in the same place where they than were, with a thousand horsemen willing him in any wise not to remove from thence, nor by any means to attempt fortune for any occasion, but only to defend his camp if the enemy adventured upon him. After that, he furnished his ships and embarked his soldiers, committing the charge of them to Herodian and Vliarius. But that rule of the whole fleet he would should be at the discretion of Ildiger, commanding him forthwith to direct his course toward Arimine. Another part of his army he betook to Martin, bidding him coast the ships and keep with them as near as he could by the shore.  
And assoon as they approached their enemies so that they came within kenning then of set purpose to kindle many fires in their Camp, to the intent to make the enemy believe that they were a greater army than they were in deed. Whiles these kept by the sea coast, he himself went a contrary way by the City Saluia (The same was sometime a fair city but it had been destroyed and beaten down to the ground by the Goths that came first into italy under Alaricus, 
Saluia.  so that nothing remained thereof more than the ruins.) Belisarius therefore passing by this town, marched by the mountains eschewing the plainer way that leadeth to Arimine, by the fields of the Favenses and Pisauriens. For saying that his enemies had a far greater army about Arimine than he had, and that he had left a strong garrison of them behind at Auximum, he thought it more for his behoof to use wisdom and policy against the Goths, then to fight with them in open field. Marching therefore the way before mentioned, when he came unto the hills that rise against Arimine, (as must needs be lightly in so great an army) he found certain of his enemies ranging abroad. The which being either slain or else taken prisoners, some of them with their faces sore mangled he let go again. Who returningt to the Camp of the Goths, brought tidings that Belisarius was at hand with his whole power, for the confirmation whereof they showed their faces newly wounded. It was about noon when this news was brought to the camp. And thereupon proclamation was made to harness, & that every man should fall in order of battle under his antesygne. The Captains having put their men in array, waited for the coming of Belisarius, looking continually toward the mountains from whence he was reported to come. But Belisarius had about midday encamped himself in the mountains, a good way of from Ariminie, and came not down to his enemies that day. By means whereof the Goths having stood gaping for them all day to no purpose, at length about the Sun setting broke their array and returned into their tents. Howbeit, when night came, espying a great sort of fires on the sea coast, clean contrary to that way that Belisarius was reported to come, (they were the fires that Martyne and his army made) they were in great fear all that night, in so much that there was not any of them that either took any sleep or put of his harness. As soon as it was day, when they beheld the navy also ready decked and furnished making sail toward Arimine, 
The Goths break up their league before Arimine.  for fear lest they should be entrapped by two hosts at ones, the one from the land, the other from the water, they by and by broke up their siege, and without any order fled to Ravenna. first of all arrived Ildeger with his fleet at Arimine, and going on land spoiled the tents of the Goths. Anon after came Martin and Belisarius with their armies. When Belisarius beheld john and his soldiers that had been besieged, how pale and lean they looked with hunger, turning himself to john as it were to taunt him for his rashness, he said: ye are much beholding to Ildiger, and worthy to thank him for his pains. john answered proudly and arrogantly again, 
Occasion of discord among thimperials.  that there was no cause why he should thank Ildiger or any man else save only Narses. As who should say, he desired to have it known, that Belisarius would smallly have regarded his deliverance, if Narses had not compelled him. These words troubled Belisarius, and they were the beginning of discord.  
For after that time, john standing in fear of Belisarius, cleaved unto Narses. 
See what mischief flattery worketh.  The residue also of his friends stirred up Narses with evil counsel against him. Vouching that it was not for his honour being Threasurour of th'empire, and one of the emperors privy counsel, to be led by th'advise of Belisarius, specially seeing that he himself, had an army far passing th'army of Belisarius, both in number and strength of soldiers, and also in policy of Captains, and therefore he ought to seek the glory of the recovery of Italy from the Goths, to himself and not to Belisarius. These flattering persuasions set Narses in such a pride, that he ever after enramped by himself, and would not follow Belisarins' advise in nothing.  
But consulted by himself as touching these wars and all other affairs that were in hand. Nevertheless they went both together to the siege of Urbine, but yet not in one camp. For Belisarius say on the raw side of the town and Narses on the West. At such time as Belisarius was purposed to have assaulted the town, and had prepared engines for the same, Narses laughing him to scorn for his labour, within a day or twain after he came thither broke up his siege and returned with his army to Arimine, leaving Belisarius & his company in worse case, then if he had not come there at all. For the enemy perceiving part of the army to dislodge, began to take a stout courage, smally regarding that part that remained still behind. Nevertheless Belisarius began to rear up ordinance toward that gate of the town where the ground was most level, 
The good for tune of Belisarius.  & to give the adventure to win it by assault. Whiles he was putting these things in a readiness by a marvelous good fortune it happened that the foutaine (the townsmen of Urbine having no more but that one only) dried up of the own accord. wherethrough it came to pass that the town for fear was yielded, upon condition that the Goths and the Citizens of Urbine should become subjects to the Emperor justinian, in as free and ample manner as other italians that were Imperial.   

The vi Chapter.  
❧ Of the great dearth that was through all Italy, and how the Goths befoge Milan and win it through the discord of Belisarius and Narses. Whereof the Emperor being advertised by Belisarius calleth Narses out of Italy. Whereupon Belisarius having absolute authority again proceedeth with the wars, and besiegeth Auximum, the situation and strength whereof is here declared.  
WHen Urbine was thus yielded unto him for as much as it seemed not as yet expedient tattempte the siege of Auximum, Belisarius led his host against the Vrbevetanes The winning of that town was some what difficult, because it stood upon a rock so steep on all sides, that men could not well come to assault it.  
The only hope was to win it by famine. For Italy was as it were so wome to the hard bones with continual war, and trodden underfoot with many armies, that there was not one city in all the country, but it suffered scarcity and penury: 
Great dearth through out all Italy.  the which penury Vrbevetus also being at length oppressed, came in subjection to Belisarius. Narses lying at Arimine sent john with an army of men to win Cesena. At the which town, as he was scaling of the walls, he was repulsed with many wounds, and fit a great sort of his company. In the same assault was slain Phavotheus captain of the Exules. Whereupon John desisting from Cesena, went to Forum Cornelij, the which was yielded unto him by composition. The same ●yme Mundilas and those that were with him at Milan, began to be wrapped in great distress. For Teudebert the French king (as is before specified) being by Vitigis called upon for aid by virtue of the league that was between them, 
Milan besieged by the Goths.  had sent to Vraias' ten thousand Burgonians upon confidence of the which multitude he encamped himself not far from Milan, suffering neither corn nor any other kind of sustenance to be conveyed thither. Mundilas had of necessity been driven before to disperse his soldiers into Come, Bergome, & Novaria, so that he had no great number of horsemen about him. How be it the hardest of the matter was not the defence of the city, for the Citizens of Milan with one accord knit themselves together in the defence thereof. But the fear was least victual should fail in so populous a city, if so be it the barbarous Goths should be suffered to continue long in those borders. Belisarius therefore having intelligence thereof, sent Martin & Vliarius thither with a great power, to th'intent that Mundilas & they joining together, might remove the Goths further of. When they came at the river Po, which is from Milan but one days journey, they durst not pass over for fear of their enemies, but lyngered many days in the same place, frustrating day by day the hope of Mundilas & them that were besieged with him. For where as they made promise to have passed the river & come unto Milan, they performed no part thereof. Daily both hope & sustenance failed those that were besieged. At the last after long lingering Martin & Vliarius confessing the truth advertised Belisarius the they alone were not able to pass over the river against so great a power of their enemies, unless they would wilfully run in open danger of their lives. Wherefore if he thought it good, he should cause john & justine which were with their armies not far from Bonome to join with them. Belisarius hereupon immediately wrote unto john & justine commanding them to join with Martyne, and to make all the speed they could to relieve their fellows being besieged and in utter peril of their lives. They sent him word again that they would nothing do without the commandment of Narses. Thereupon Belisarius wrote again unto Narses. Who albeit he gave his consent that the army should go thither, yet not withstanding, for as much as it was a thing done by Belisarius, he went about it very slowly and negligently as men are wont to do in other men's businesses. By this means the matter was so long delayed, that at last they were utterly deceived. In the mean time Milan was every day sorer afflicted than other, intolerable hunger well-nigh pined them away, and the city waving between hope & fear, abode such miseries & anguish as almost no menwere able to abide again. 
Milan is loss through the discord of Narses and Belisarius.  At the length being brought to utter extremity Mundilas & his soldiers fell to composition to abandon up the town so they might escape with their lives. After whose departure the Goths entering into the city, spared neither young nor old. For they slew in every place not only such as were able to bear armour, but also thold men & young boys. The women were given in servitude to the Burgonions, 
A notable cruelty.  & the city razed to the ground. Reparatus a citizen of Rome being taken in the town by the Goths, was hewn in small gobbets & thrown to dogs. Thus was one of the goodliest & most populous cities of all Italy (through the discord of Narses & Belisarius) put to utter destruction. In this ruin & over throw of the city, were slain of the Millainers about xxx M. When Belisarius had tidings of it, he took great sorrow forth same, & wrote unto th'emperor justinian, the beginning and proceeding of all the whole matter. justinian being certruce or the truth, was much offended thereat, but yet punished not any man for it. Only he called home Narses out of Italy, 
Narses is called out of Italy.  committing the whole charge & authority of the war unto Belisarius. Hereupon Narses with part of his army returned into Grece, & Belisarius with all the rest abode still in Italy. Who now having no man to overthwart him in his determinations concerning the war. Although that his chief care rested upon Vitigis & Ravenna, yet he minded is take two towns more from she Goths, before he proceeded with his army against Vitigis & Ravenna. The towns that he desired were Auximum and Fesules: both of them very strongly situate, & both of them thoroughly manned by the gothish garrisons.  
For neither would he leave at his back Auximum having in it three thousand of chosen soldiers, which were able to do much displeasure & hindrance to his adherents: nor yet Fesules because that as long as the Goths held that city, he thought othing should be in rest through Hetruria. Hereupon he divided his army into three parts, of the which he took one with him to besiege Auximum, another he sent by justine & Cyprian against Fesules, & the third he betook to Martin & john Vitalian, commanding them to encamp abouts the river Po, & to detain Vraias with his host as long as they could in those borders, to th'intent they should narcome to raise any of the siges among the Thuskans & Picents'. And if they were not able to keep him still there, then to follow him in the tail. Martive & john therefore setting forth into lombardy with that part of the army that we spoke of before, wan the city Dert one situate by the civer Po, and from thence did their endeavour to trouble Vraias & that Goths. Cyprian & justin with another army going unto Fesules, albeit the besteging of that city were very difficil for the nature & roughness of the place, yet not withstanding they brought their camp as near as they could, & besieged it from a higher ground, where the way lay more plain to the town. Belisarius himself with the puyssantest company of all, 
Belis. besiegeth Auximum.  beset Auximum. Vitigis had placed in Auximum the best that he couldpyke out among the Goths, & was very circumspent in fortifying of that town. Conjecturing that which was most true, namely that Belisarius would never proceed to the befieging of Ravenna, unless he had first subdued Auximum. When Belisarius had well viewed the situation & nature of the place, he was past all hopeof winning Auximum by force. For the city standeth upon somewhat a high ground, & besides that there were within to defend it, a puissant band of chosen men of war, able to geue battle even in thopen field. So he had none other hope, but only to tame them by famine, for as much as there was a great number enclosed within the city. And therefore Belisarius omitting assault, pitched his camp round about the hill on every side, narrowly watching that nothing should be conveyed in to them. But like as that large compass of his camp was good to proibit the portage of things in, so was it unprofitable against sudden invasions of the enemy. For they that were within, might at their pleasure make sudden assaults upon what part of the Camp they listed out of the town above. And the souldyes of Belisarius lay so far one from another, that they could not readily help at need. By this means it came to pass that the enemy continually infested the camp, and divers skirmishes were thereupon fought. Moreover; there was a certain moist ground not far from the city, where there grew much grass. This field was as it were the place of their daily exercises, when either the besiegers or the besieged resorted thither for forage: and sometime their courages were so kindled on both sides, that almost all the whole Camp ran thither to fight. In these encounters the Soldiers of Belisarius prevailed in multitude, and the Goths by the situation of the place, both parts being equal in manhood and prowess. The like conflicts were also at Fesules, for there were many sudden alarms given, and well-nigh daily skirmishes between the bestegers and the besieged.  
The besiegers had none other hope of attaining their desire, then by keeping the besieged from sustenance, and famisshinge them for want of food. For there was no hope to win so strong Cities as those were by force. And therefore by taking up standings in places convenient about the towns, they cut of all carryages and conveyance of things in.   

¶ The vii Chapter.  
¶ Of towns that were besieged by the imperials, how the French men coming into Italy after that they had put two armies to flight the one of the Goths to other of the Imperials both in one day, returned home again, and how Fesules was yielded to the imperials.  
While the war was in this state and that Auximum among the Picentes, & Fesules among the etrurians were narrowly besieged, 
The cause of the sudden coming of the frenchmen into Italy.  there happened a strange chance about the river Po. For the frenchmen with their Captain Thewdebert, having passed over the Alps, came in great number into lombardy. The cause of their coming (as afterward was known) was this. Because that when they peerceyved how war was made in Lombary, they being a warlike people & in manner savage, were offended that such a country being their next neighbour, should fall as a reward to them that could get the upper hand, and that they themselves sitting still like cowards the mean while, should accept such to be their neighbours, whom the fortune of victory appointed to them. This was the occasion why they passed the Alps. The same time Vraias being often written to by Vitigis, had passed the river Po and was marching with his army toward Ravenna. Martin and john likewise newly sent thither by Belisarius, preventing Vraias, had encamped themselves not far from the same place, to the intent (if they could) to have stopped him of his passage. Their camp was distant from the camp of Vraias about 〈◊〉, miles. In the mean season, the Frenchmen suddenly came into those quarters. Vraias & the Goths by reason of the league that was lately taken betwixt them, supposed they had come to their aid, like as they had doo●e before in the wars about Miliaine. These frenchmen the passed over the Alps at that time with Thendebert, 
The number & armour of the frchchmen  were to the number of four score thousand, whereof very few were horsemen & those atten\ded always upon the king's person, all the residue being footmen. Their armour was not in pikes nor in bows, but to cover their bodies with, they bore a tergat & a skull, and to strike the enemy withal, a sword & a bill. In the battle they used most commonly their bills, the which struck with such force, the neither head piece nor tergat was able to hold out the blow, but that they cut through, nor anyman was of power able to withstand the violence of the stripe. These therefore as friends of the Goths, being suffered to pass over the river Ticinus at the bridge by Pavia, did afterward much hurt & displeasure to th'inhabiters of Pavia, & of a savage cruelty slew the wines and children of the Goths as they found them abroad in the country, anon after passing over Po, when they approached near Vraias' camp, 
The Goths and the imperials turned both out of their camps by the french men.  whether it were of set purpose, or through rashness, they fell a quarreling & consequently a feighting with the Goths. th'end of the fray was, that the Goths being put to the worse forsook their camp, & flying not far from the camp of our men, caused the soldiers of Belisarius to wonder sore what they should mean. For they had hard no thing of the coming of the Frenchmen, & therefore they thought verily the Belisarius had been come by some privis & unknown way, to destroy Vraias. hereupon arming themselves in haste, when they had gone a little forward, suddenly they met with the frenchmen, & being not able to retire without battle, were enforced to fight, in the which they were soon overcome, & for asmuch as they durst not repair for heir camp, they had none other way to save themselves but by flight. The Frenchmen getting the upper hand bothof the Goths & th'army of Belisarius in one day, obtained the camps of them both also, & rested in them finding good store of victuals in each of them. Vraias' fled to Ravenna, & the soldiers of Belisarius through the fields of the Placentines and Parmenses gate over the mountain Apennine & went into Hetruria. This sudden coming of the Frenchmen troubled both Vitigis & Belisarius. The thing that Belisarius feared most, was lest the Frenchmen should come into Hetruria & oppress his army that besieged Fesules. For through the fields of the Placentines & Parmenses, it is but a short & a ready way into Hetruria. 
The Frenchmen retourns again into France.  But the french men when they had tarried a while about Po, & could find neither wine nor other necessaries (the country being left bare by means of the long continuance of the war) so that they had nothing to feed on but Beof, nor nothing to drink but the water of the river, within short space they fell into divers diseases.  
Of the which forasmuch as they died in great number, they determined to retire back, and so they went home again into France, the very same way that they came out over the Alps.  
This was th'end of the Frenchmens voyage into Italy. The Goths that were besieged within Fesules, 
Fefules is yielded the imperials.  being sore constrained with hunger, when they saw that rescue was often promised & yet none came, at length yielded up the town to justine and Cyprian by composition. When they had received the town & placed a garrison therein, they went with all the rest of their army unto Auximum. For Vitigis had promised to come with all his whole power to raise the siege before Auximum. And forasmuch as Vraias was then with him, it was none other like but he would have done so in deed. By reason whereof Belisarius was compelled to gather all his power about him out of other places, to th'intent that after his long continued siege, he would not be set beside his purpose. But when this often promised succour came not, and yet they stiffly held their own to thuttermost, Belisarius determined to cout-pell them to yield by some extremities maugre their hearts for the compassing whereof he invented this policy.   

The viii Chapter.  
❧ How after that Belisarius had corrupted the water of a certain well near unto Auximum the townsmen yielded themselves and the town unto him by composition. The busy eginge of Ravenna by Belisarius and of his wonderful good fortune, and his wise dealing there at such time as the French Ambassadors came thither, in somuch that he caused the offers of the frenchmen to be rejected and a Truce to be taken for further communication to be bad with the Emperor for a small peace and agreement. During the which Truce the storehouses and garners of corn in Ravenna are set on fire no man can tell how.  
Within a stones cast of the Walls of Auximum, on the north side of the town there was a well with a very fresh spring the which Belisarius purposed to take from them, because he perceived that the townsmen had none other place to fetch waler at but only there. To bring this matter to effect he commanded his army to be in armour by the dauninge of the next day, and to give an approach to the walls. The Goths thinking they had prepared them to th'assault, placed themselves orderly upon the battlements. Belisarius in the mean time sent five men cunning in such feats. with mattocks and axes, well pavished with the bucklers and tergattes of a great number that were sent with them for their defence, to undermine the well and to cut down the timber work. Who assoon as they came there did get them under the shed that covered the well, & being safe out of danger from the walls, began to dig down the Mason work. But when the Goths perceiving that all their endcuour was about heving down the well, they issued out of the town and assailed them very fierflye. 
An encounter aboutbreaking down of a well.  The fray was hard under the walls in a place of advantage and easy to the Goths coming down to the defence of the well, but very untoward and un indifferent for the soldiers of Belisarius to make assault in. In this coflicte were many slain, 
In this were slain of Belisarius soldiers  but most of Belisarius soldiers, for the Goths darting from aloft, might easily endamage their enemies. Howbeit Belisarius was ever at hand calling still upon his men and encouraging them with a loud voice and would not suffer them to give back, but ever put fresh men in the places of such as were wounded or slain. This encounter being begun by the sun rising, lasted until noon. At the last his soldiers piercing stout  upon the Goths, compelled them to recoil into the town. Then they returned back and called away those that were digging down that well, supposing that they had dispatched their work. But they had done little or nothing to the purpose in mining down of the Mason work. The cause thereof was by reason that the well being made in old time, was wrought so close and so sure, that it had been an easier matter to cut a piece out of a whole quarry then to have digged down any part of the wall of it. When it was perceived how that all that they had done, and all their fighting was but lost labour, Belisarius caused the rest of the water to be infected with the juceof venomous herbs, with stinking Carrions of dead cattle, and with a kind of stone called Asnest so long until he had utterly marred it, that it was not to be occupied any more, so that the Goths finding scarceiye of water by the mystre of this well, had much a do to relieve themselves with that little and corruped water that they had in filthy puddles within the town.  
After this Belisarius never sought to disquiet them any more, either by skirmishing or by any other means, but sat still peaceably to behold the end of the matter. At length mention was made of yielding and the Goths requested that they might depart to Ravenna with bag and baggage. Belisarius hearing their demands, was in doubt what he were best to do.  
For he thought, that to let go so many good men of war and thereby to augment the strength of his enemy's the were at Ravenna, should be nothing to that profit of that weal public: Again to sit spending of the time in vain about Auximum, he thought perilous & prejudicial, inespecially seeing it was reported that the femechmen were coming to thaid of the Goths. But most of all stoud in contention with him his own soldiers, who in recompens of their miseries and calamities endured at their long continued siege, looked of duty to have the spoil of the town, and would not in any wise suffer themselves to be defrauded thereof by any composition or agreement Finally when on th'one side the Goths were sore pinched with penury and scarcity of things necessary, 
Auximum yielded to Belisarius.  and on tother side Belisarius in manner forced by the importunity of the time, at length through Belisarius great travel the matter was concluded, that the one half of all that was in the town should be given to his soldiers for their share, and the Goths should keep the other half still, provided that the Goths which were within the town of Auximum, should serve Belisarius in his wars, in like case and estate with other of his soldiers. After this sort were things knit up and the Town surrendered according to the composition. When Belisarius had thus gotten Auximum into his hand, he assembled all his power together, 
Belisarius goeth to besiege Ravenna.  minding to proceed against Vitigis and Ravenna. As soon as he came thither, by and by he sent Maximus one of his captains with part of his army to watch and keep the banks of the river Po, to th'intent that nothing should be conveyed into Ravenna that way.  
For one of the mouths of that river falleth into the Sea not far from Ravenna, from whence there is a certain dych cut out of the whole ground, wherein the river is conveyed to the Town. Belisarius therefore minding first & formest to disappoint them of this commodity, gave Maximus charge to keep the hythersyde of the River with that band that he had delivered unto him. Vitalis also coming out of Dalmatia at the commandment of Belisarius, 
The wonderful good foretune of Belisarius.  had committed unto him the keeping of the furtherside with another band. There happened the same time a wonderful chance, & such a strange thing as hath not lightly been heard of. For as a great number of ships and galeyes were coming out of France laden with corn and victuals making sail toward Ravenna, the River fell so low, that many of the ships stood still for want of water to bear them. Whereby it came to pass the they were all taken by the soldiers of Belisarius. This was that first token of good luck wherewith fortune began to further the proceedings of Belisarius. For it could not be remembered that ever any such thing had happened before. By this means was allibertye of carrying in and out by the river Po cut of from Ravenna. As for by sea nothing could be conveyed in by reason that the enemes of that Goths were every where lords of the sea.  
Again on the land Belisarius with his army kept them so short, that he would not suffer ought to be carried that way. While Ravenna was thus straightly besieged, there came Ambassadors out of France to Vitigis, 
French Ambassadors to Vitigis.  offering that the frenchmen should come into Italy and raise the siege, and doubtless to siea Belisarius with all his army, if so be it that the Goths would be content to admit them as coparteners of their Empire. This stout brag made by the french Ambassadurs, did set the hearer's hearts in a pride. For they promised to bring fyus hundred thousand men of war, whose coming (if he were in his right wits) Belisarius would never abide. For if he did, they threatened to suetch him and all his company with their holberdes. These high words did partly puff up Vitigis & his Goths with pride, & partly made them afraid. For if the Frenchmen came into Italy, it was not to be doubted that they should get the upper hand, but it was a difficult matter to be believed, that they would keep touch and play the good fellows in parting of the Empire.  
And therefore if the Frenchmen should come they mistrusted lest they would be as much to their confusion as to the confusion of their enemies. 
Belisarius sendeth commissioners to Vitigis.  This doubt of theirs Belisarius helped to increase. For he being a sage Captain and politic in all affairs, as soon as he knew of the coming of the French Ambassadors, sent his commissioners also to Ravenna, both to offer the Goths peace and atonement with the Emperor, and also to withdraw them from society with the frenchmen, by putting them in remembrance of their former unfaithful dealing. The Goths when they had heard the French Ambassadors and Belisarius commissioners what could be alleged on both sides, taking deliberation what was best to be done, after long debating of & on, preferred thatonement with the Emperor. By this means the French Ambassade was dismissed without the thing that they came for, and often treaties were had with Belisarius concerning the same, and divers commissioners and messengers went to and fro for conclusion thereof. 
Truce between the Goths and the imperials  finally this was the end of the matters debated. That the determination of all controversies should be referred to the discretion of the Emperor justinian. hereupon Ambassadors were sent to him and a Truce was taken between the besyegers and the besieged. In the mean while it fortuned that the common storehouses at Ravenna and all the corn in them was burned up, 
The storehouses are set on fire.  the mischance brought the Goths in great distress, considering their own corn was burnt up, and Belisarius would not suffer any more to be brought in, the which (he said) he did upon this consideration, to the intent the Goths should be agreeable to more indifferent articles of atonement. Howbeit Vitigis was in a marvelous mistrust, because it could not be learned by what means the fire came. Some thought they were set a sterw ᵗ lightnig, other supposed it to be done by some malicious persons, & othersome mistrusted that Belisarius should be the doer of it. The Queen also was suspected for that matter. Who forasmuch as she was forced to marry with Vitigis against her will, was therefore deemed to bear hatred and malice toward him in her heart. This burning of the grain did greatly trouble Vitigis and the Goths, & brought them in manner to utter despair. For if the fire came by lightning, they might think that God and the heavens were against them. Or if it were done of a set purpose, they witted not whom they might trust. So were they like within a while to be quite without corn, and without all hope of coming by any more, because the Belisarius after the burning of the storehouses, looked more straitly to theyut that none should be conveyed in.   

¶ The ix Chapter.  
❧ divers of the Goths become Imperial, The Emperor sendeth his Ambassadors with articlles of peace to Ravenna the which of the Goths are twell liked and joyfully received. But Belisarius perceiving that more advantage is to be gotten otherwise will not subscribe unto them, by means whereof riseth a suspicion that Belisarius will make himself Emperor, the which the Goths being glad of, to further the same, proffer their submission and obedience unto him, and he accepteth it promising to take his oath at Ravenua for performance of their demands whereupon he is received royally in to the town, & dismissern the most part of the Gothish soldiers, through whose departure having made himself strong, hov●●●●● refuseth to usurp as long as th'emperor instinian liveth. The goths in Pavia create a new king who maketh proffer of submission upon like condition the which Belisarius utterly rejecteth, & carrieth vitigis prisoner to Constantinople with divers of his noble men and all his Threasures, 
The revolting of certain Goths to Belisarius.   
About this time many of that Goths that inhabited the Alps, sent word to Belisarius that they would yield themselves unto him.  
There are upon the Alps many castles, the which in old time were kept by the Goths placed there to dwell.  
For ThAlps do dissever Italy from France, rising of a wonderful height very hard to clymb unto or to pass over, the which passages it was expedient to the well kept. And therefore Theodorich king of the Goths did both place a puissant company of his country men with their wives and children in those waste grounds, and also builded them castles & holds. Sisigis one of the Goatish nobility, who had certain Castles in ThAlps, was the first of all that of his free-will received the soldiers sent into those coasts by Belisarius, persuading other Castles to do the like. The same time Vraias was in Lombary, mustering of soldiers to carry with him to Ravenna. He had already raised an army of four thousand men. Of the which the most part were inhabiters of ThAlps.  
Who hearing that Sisigis was revolted to their enemies, & that the Castles wherein they had their wives & children were assailed, they compelled Vraias' first & formest to lead them thither. Whereupon he took his journey with all the power that he had raised, into ThAlps, and there besieged Sisigis and the soldiers of Belisarius. When news of this gear came to john Vitalian and Martin, who the same time had their camp in lombardy, they also without further tarriance marched toward ThAlps, & took certain Castles in their way. In the same were taken many of the wives and children of them that served under Vraias. When the fathers, husbands, & kinsfolk of them had knowledge thereof, they forsook Vraias' camp & fled to their enemies, to the intent to recover them again.  
Vraias' being thus forsaken of his own soldiers, returned with a few into Lombary, & never set his mind any more either about mustering of other soldiers, or succouring such as were besieged. So Vitigis & the Goths that were at Ravenna, being for saken of their own people & destitute of all hope of comfort, were still besieged and suffered every day more distress than other. While the Goths stood in this estate, th'ambassadors returned from th'emperor, Dominicus & Marimus both of the Senate. 
The answer of the Emperor to the demands of the Goths.  They brought justinian's answer to those demands that Vitigis & the Goths had made as concerning the concord & agreement. The sum of the emperors decree was this. That Vitigis should hold still all that he had beyond the river Po, & surrender all that he had on thyssyde. That he should deliver to the Emperor th'one half of his treasure, & keep the other half for himself & that all the Goths inhabiting on the hither side of the river Po, should become subjects to th'empire of Rome. When the Ambassadors had first conferred with Belisarius, they entered into Ravenna and declared their commission, the which things both Vitigis and the noble men of the Goths were glad to here, and consented thereto with all their hearts. 
A crafty & subtle kind of dealing.  But Belisarius was very sorry to see it. For it spited him to the heart, that when he might fully have had the victory of the Goths, it should be taken out of his hand. And therefore anon after when the commissioners returned, and requested him to subscribe the articles he would not put to his hand. The which thing brought the Goths in a marvelous maze, fearing to be deceived under a counterfeit pretence of peace. In so much that they began to say openly, they would dye nothing as concerning the peace, without the consent of Belisarius. Thambassadors themselves and such as were chief officers in the Camp, were greatly displeased with Belisarius doing, and thought he did not well in disobeying th'emperors commandment.  
And thereupon bred a suspicion, as though Belisarius went about tomake himself emperor, & were utterly minded to withdraw his obediens from justinian. This suspicion was almost in every man's head at that time with the which opinion the Goths being induced, sent princely unto him, exhorting him to take that west Empire upon him himself, and not to acquire it to another. For if he would so do, they said that the Goths would be contented to become his subjects, & to obey him with all their hearts, & that he should inyntly enjoy the kingdom of the Italians & the Goths, together wt●u incomparable puissa●s. These things were wrought privily by the Gotishe nobility. Vitigis perceiving that such proffers were made, sent his messengers also unto Belisarius encouraging him unto the same. Belisarius pondering these things with himself, and considering they might be greatly for his behoof, if they were handled wisely, sent away into sundry places with their bands, john Vitalian, Bessas', & Aratus, men of much authority in his camp, but in no wise his friends, pretending an excuse as though so great armies could not well be victualled together in one place, and that they should find more plenty & abundance of victual and forage in other places.  
This excuse was pretended, but in deed they were sent away to the ●●tent that with their presence they should not interrupt him of his doings. Afterwards he himself summoning before him all the officers of his camp, when he had sufficiently debated with them as concerning the distress that the Goths were brought unto, what would you say (ꝙ he) if we should by this war attain at their hands, not only those things wherewith the Empereur seemeth to be contented, but also greater things.  
Every man for himself commended that greater things should be attained if it might be. When he heard them say so, without further disclosing of the matter, he dismissed the counsel. And thereupon he sent one of his company to Ravenna, advertising the Goths that he was contented to do as they had counseled him, exhorting them to make speed in the matter. The Goths as they the were already oppressed with famine, without any delay sent their commissioners fully authorized by the prince and the common consent of them all unto Belisarius. These persons when they came into the camp spoke nothing before the soldiers, but talking with Belisarius alone, told him that they were come to receive his faithful promise and oath for th'accomplishment of the matter before debated. There were two kind of promises propounded by them, where unto they required him to be sworn. Thone was that he should govern them with justice and equity, maintain and support the customs and laws of the Goths, and not be offended against any of them for aught that had been done in times past, with divers other things of like purport.  
The other was that he should from hence forth proclaim himself king of Italy & of the Goths. If he would agree to these articles & be sworn to the performance of them, they would set open their gates & receive him & all his army into Ravenna. Belisarius swore to all tother demands according as the commissioners had requested, but concerning the taking of the kingdom upon him, he said he would take his oath before Vitigis & his noble men when he was come to Ravenna. The commissioners mistrusting not but that he would have been king in deed, delayed the taking of his oath in that behalf, as though he should have performed the same before the noble men immediately upon his coming to Ravenna. But Belisarius purposed nothing less. 
the cause why Belisa. would not take upon him to be emperor.  For justinian when he made him Lieutenant general of the wars, had bound him with a great oath, that he should not take upon him nor usurp the kingdom or Empire, as long as he were alive, nor yet suffer himself to be accounted or called by the name of tyrant, King or Emperor. This his oath he was determined to keep unviolated, 
The yielding of Ravenna to Belisarius.  & did but daily with the Goths in that behalf. Upon this composition the Goths very desirously called Belisarius into the town.  
And he with his army in royal order, and with his ships trimly decked, bringing in them abundance of all kind of victuals, entered into Ravenna to the great rejoicement of the Goths and their army. Now because there were a great number of men of war of the Goths within the town, Belisarius minding to abate their power, within a few days after his coming thither, licenced all such to depart home, as dwelled on this side the rivet Po. They being wearied with their long continued warfate, were very willing to return home to their friends. And so the multitude that was at Ravenna being diminished, the army of Belisarius warred the stronger, and were even as Lords of the town. As things fell out in this wise the nobility of the Goths that dwelled in any part of all Italy, either came them selves, or else sent their commissioners unto Belisarius to Ravenna.  
But when Belisarius began to make delays in the taking upon him of the kingdom, men began to marvel what he should mean, and also to cast doubts of his doings. 
Belisarius is sent for out of Italy.  The which suspicion was augmented upon the sudden sending of justinian unto Belisarius commanding him to return home.  
For the same went & certain had made report to the Emperor, that Belisarius went about to make himself king of Italy, & had already taken it upon him. For fear whereof justiman sent for him immediately out of Italy. The Goths perceiving that, could not at the first by any means persuade themselves, that he would return to th'emperor justinian. But when they saw preparation made for the same, and all things put in a readiness toward his journey, than they knew well enough that Belisarius had won them in by a train and had qutterly deceived them. But what remedy? For he had both the town and their noble men in his hand, so that they could not so much as bewail their misfortune one to another, but that he must needs be privy to it. When the Goths that dwelled on the furthersyde of Po, heard tidings hereof, they assembled themselves together at Pauye, and there bewailing one to another the common misfortune of their nation, and the deceitfulness of Belisarius, at length would have made Vraias their King. 
Vraias' refuseth to be made king of the Goths.  The which thing he would not in any wise suffer them to do, excusing himself by this reason, that for as much as he was Vitigis brothers son, he might not seem to have done either like a kinsman or like an honest man if he should take the kingdom upon him whiles Vitigis were alive. Through this allowable excuse alleged for himself, he was the occasion that Ildovade a man of great authority and power among the Goths, 
Ildovade is made king of the Goths.  and which had been ruler of Veron a long time before, was created king. Ildovade therefore being sent for out of Veron unto Pauye, was there invested in his purple Robes of estate, and proclaimed king of the Goths, to the intent he should studies and take care for the safeguard of his country men. Being in this sort made king, he sent ambassadors by & by to Ravenna unto Belisarius, 
The effect of the ambassade sent by Ildovade to Belisarius.  giving them charge to put him in remembrance of his promise lately made for the taking upon him of the kingdom of Italy & of the Goths, not letting to reprove him openly of breaking his faithful promise, through which cautel the Goths were deceived. Wherefore if he would yet accomplish his promise in proclaiming himself king, and show the same in his doings, Ildovade offered himself to come to Ravenna, & to lay of his robes of estate at his feet. But if he had rather be th'emperors slave then to be Emperor himself, he ought not to be discontented though Ildovade & the Goths that remained endeavoured to provide for the safeguard of their weal public. This was the sum of their ambassade.  
Belisarius answered openly thereunto, 
An example of a faithful subject and of an invincible mind.  that as long as the Emperor justinian lived, he would never take upon him to be king. With this answer the Ambassadors returned to Ildovade unto Pavia. And Belisarius having decked his Navy, sailed toward Constantinople with Vitigis and divers other noble men of the Goths, and all the kings Treasure, the fifth year after the war was begun in Italy. (*)    

The third book of Lenard Aretine, concerning the wars in Italy against the Goths.  

❧ The first Chapter.  
¶ Thentertainement that Belisarius and his prisoners had at Constantinople. A commendation of Belisarius good government, by comparison between him and the Captains that succeeded him.  
WHen Belisarius was come to Constantinople the Emperor justinian welcomed him with great joy, and having him in great reputation and honour, put out of mind all mistrust that he had co! ceived of his doings before. The Goths whom he had brought with him were entertained very gently and courteously, and men wondered to behold them: the which might seem to have chanced not without good cause. For there was Vitigis king of the Goths that of late had besieged Rome with such a multitude, 
What they were whom Belisarius brought prisoners to Constantinople.  and his wife Amulusuentha, thenece of Theoderich sometime king of the Goths who first brought them into Italy, and there gave them possessions. Furthermore there were the two sons of Ildovade then King of the Goths, whem Belisarius finding in the Court of Vitigis at Ravenna, would not suffer to departed, but brought them away with him into Grecs. There were other noble men of the Goths also, whom all men beheld, wondering at the puissans of Belisarius, that had achieved so great exploits, and extolling him with praises to the sky, in that he had lately before subdued Aphrycke, and now Italy, under the dominion of justinian. And thus went the world in Grece. In italy after the departure of Belisarius, the order of things by the commandment of the Emperor was committed to the discretion of john, of Bessas', & of Vitalis. Constantian also was come out of Dalmatia, & was added to the number of the Governors. It was soon seen what difference there was between the government of these men & of Belisa. 
The praise of belisarius.  For (to omit his skilfulness in feats of war & cheularie wherein he far surmounted all the Captains of his time) there was in him a singular humamtie & gentleness, through the which he exhibited himself aswell to the poor, as to the rich. There was no manner of person, but might have easy & free access to is presence: & besides that, he was wondrous bountiful & liberal. Unto his soldiers that had lost their horses, weapons and armour (so it were not cowardly) forthwith he gave new again. Of the husbandmen he had so great regard, that in leading of his army, he would not suffer any of them to be hurt or endamaged. His soldiers durst not be so bold as to touch the Apples hanging on the trees.  
Through this his straightness in obserning the law of arms, he obtryned that his camp was more plentifully served, than the marketts in any city. So free and without peril was the conveyance of all things that were to be sold. His uprightness toward such cities as were in society and league with him, no man is able to report as it deserved. Men might hear of the great good turns that he did for them, but not that he vexed or molested any of them.  
But as for them that succeeded him, they were nothing like him, neythey in humanity, neither in prowess, neither yet in vyryght dealing. For both they themselves were pillars and Pollers, and also they suffered their Soldiers to fall into all kind of licentiousness & disorder, being proud to their partakers, and easy enough to be entreated toward their enemies, by means whereof within short space matters began to go clean backward, and to slide into open and manifest ruin, as I shall sheweyou hereafter.   

The two Chapter.  
¶ The diligence of Ildovade king of the Goths, the great misgovernance of the Imperial Captains, by means whereof then be brought low and the Goths increased in strength and courage. The death of Vraias, the death of Ildovade, the electtion and death of Ataticus, and the election of Totilas.  
Ildovade being newly created king of the Goths (as I declared before) after the departure of Belisarius, went in hand with his matters very diligently. For he gave commandment that all the Goths and all the Italians that favoured the gothish part, should at a day appointed meet all rogyther ready furnished with armour at Pauye. His army at that beginning was very stender, but it continually increased & every day was in better hope and comfort then other. 
The iniursous dealing of the Empeperours' Collectors causeth great alteration.  The covetousness and wrongful dealing of their adversaries did not a little help the Gothish part. For the collectors of justinian under the colour of forfeitures and arrearages, began to vex the people of Italy marvelous bytterlye, and to compel them to the payment of sums that were never due. For by calling an account of all things that the Italians had taken charge of in the time of Theoderich first king of the Goths, or of any other of the Kings that succeeded him, together with the account of all such offices as any italian had borne during the said time, and moreover by making inquisition for the money lately promyfed by the cities to the Goths, the which they challenged to the Emperor as due by the name of forfeiture, they brought every man privately and all the cities generally in such adespayre, that they wished the Goths to be loroes of all again & thereupon many, of their own free will revolted to Ildovade, helping to augarent the number & strength of his army. The look grudge was also in th'emperors army. For look with what greadines the money that was never due was tracted of the Italians, with like pinching were the soldiers restrained of their due deserved wages. there's was no regard had of any thing but one, which was to satisfy the emperors unsatiable covetousness, by gathering of money and spending none again. And therefore as well the soldiers as the italians, being constrained with so great wrongs, sought to bring the Empire to decay. By means whereof Ildovade daily growing strong, brought under his obeisance all the cities beyond the river Po, and all the cities pertaining to the estate of Venice, and his armpe was fully furnished with number both of Italians and Goths, Through the which within a while he was so encouraged, that he was not afraid to lead his army into open field, & to try the fortune of battle. 
A battle between Ildovade and the imperials.  This encounter was fought not far from 
* Now called Trenizo.  Taruisium against Vitalis one of the emperors Captains. In the which Ildovade getting th'upper hand made such aslaughter of Vitalis army the whiles the captanie himself with a few sled away, all the rest were either slain or taken prisoners by the Goths.  
Through this victory being so great & so notable, it is a wonder to see how the goths were entouraged, & how much the power of their adversaries was abated. In so much the not only beyond the river Po, and under the dominion of Venice, but also all such as on this side the Po, held of the gothish part, were thoroughly strengthened and the name of Ildovade grew famous even in the Emperor justinian's Court, and among foreign nations also.  
It was not long after but that he pursued to that death Vraias a man of much authority and estimation among the Goths upon presumption the he should conspire with his enemies This cause was pretended. 
The death of Vraias.  Howbeit some were of opinion that he took prytch against Vraias by cause that lately before, there had been alterration between his wife and the Queen. But surely I cannot think that Ildovade being a grave & wise man would be so far overseen as to be induced with brabbling matters of women, to kill such a man as was Vraias. I believe rather that the cause why Ildovade did put him to death, was that he feared his power & authority. For it is mamifest that the Goths in general are of nature very mistrustful, and scarce sufficiently fasthfull toward their kings. Many of the Goths disallowed the death of Vraias, and openly detested it as a heinous and wicked act. By means whereof it came to pass, that Ildovade himself was stain by one of his own guard whiles he sat at his meat. 
The death of Ildovade.  In his stead was Ataricus created King: but he reigned not long. For with in five months after his election, he was slain by his own subjects for his evil behaviour & misgovernment. 
The death of Ataricus.  Thus having killed two of their kings within two years space, they offered the kingdom with one consent unto Totilas. 
Totilas' created king.  This man before he was made king had borne great authority at 
* Now called Trevizo.  Tarui fiver, which is a city of the Venetians and his father was brother to Ildovade late King.   

The iii Chapter.  
❧ A larger declaration of the election and creation of Totilas mentioned briefly in the Chapter before. The emperors Captains through their insatiable greediness of prey striving for the booty before they had gotten it lose the Citis Veron which was delivered into their hands, and betray their own company.  
AFter that Ildovade (as I showed before) was slain, Totilas dreading to be in danger because he waws so near of his kin, sent privily to Ravenna & made compact with th'emperors captains to turn unto them with such as he had rule of & to yield up the town of Taruisium into their hands. A day was limited for performen of the matter. But ere ever the day came, the Goths repenting the they had rejoiced in that death of Ildovade, & that they had made Ataxicus their king, a man neither of wisdom nor courage able to defend the Goths against so great strength of their enemies, began to incline to To tilas the near kinsman of Ildovade, & to wish that he were their king. In con cluston they dispatched Ataricus out of the way, & made Totilas' king in ded. justinian having intelligence of these things the had happened in Italy, found great fault with thunskilfulness & cowardness of his captains, that in all the time the their enemies were so at dissension among themselves, & among so many alterations & changes, they having so great opportunity for the spending of their matters, had done nothing at all. The captains moved with this dishonourable rebuke, assembled together at Ravenna. There when it came to consultation as concerning the war, it was thought best, first & formest to send an army against the city. Veron. For they had been secretly put in hope of thobtaining of the town. The captains were in number xi: of whom the chief were Constantian & Alexander lately sent thither by themperor for the collection ofhi money. Therefore setting forth with a great army, when they approached near to Veron, they determined to put in trial the hope that was lately genen them. For there was one Martin a noble man of that Country that had a Castle not far from Veron: who (for as much as in his heart he was unperiall) had alured the keeper of one of the gates to let in that emperors army. The matter being in this wise closely agreed upon, when the captains came thither with their army, they sent before one Artavades an Armenian with a number of picked soldiers to take the gate, & there to await the coming of the rest of the host. No part of promise was left unperformed in that place. For in the dead of the night when the soldiers came to the gate, the traitor set it wide all open & let them into the city. They entering in and having also taken the walls above the same, gave notyce thereof to the rest of the army. The Goths perceiving their enemies within the town, fled out at another gate. 
Note the covetousness of thimperials and what came of it.  The captains hearing that their men had taken the town, marched forward. But ere ever they came there, they fell at altercation for the spoil by the way, & stayed five miles from the City. In the mean while the day broke. Now there is a castle above the city of Veron which hath a very great prospect, both into the town, & also far into the country. The Goths which were fled into this hold, perceli●●g few of their enemies to be within the City, and the army to abide still without making no approach toward the walls, suddenly issued out of the Castle, & adventuring through the city, recovered to the gate where their enemies came in & shut it. The souldygers that were entered by night, were partly oppressed, & partly flying to the walls made resistens from above. Anon after, the captains coming thither & finding the gate shut. although the soldiers within called to them for help, desiring them not to abandon them in that sort, yet notwithstanding they retired back again out of hand. Some of the soldiers leapt down the walls & saved themselves: among which number was Artavades the Armenian their guide. The rest were either slain or else taken prisoners. By this means through the misgovernment & covetousness of the Captains striving among themselves for the pra●e before they had gotten it, when they should have made most speed for the winning of the same, the matter quailed about Veron.   

The iiij. Chapter.  
¶ f Totilas by his policy overcometh the Imperials being of greater force and number then his army was, in the which victory he showeth great clemency.  
AFter this the Captains of justinian (for because their attempt fell out so ylfaveredly and dishonourable at Veron) began to fall at debate among themselves, every man putting the fault in other, & thereupon departing out of those quarters, they passed over the river Po, & marched toward Pleasans. At that time was Totilas at Pavy who hearing of the coming of his enemies, raised as mam men of war as be could with all speed possible. In the mean time the captains having passed beyond Pleasans, had encamped themselves by the side of the river Po. Totilas albeit he were far overmatched, yet he determined to go against them with such power as he had and to try th'adventure of battle. So when both the camps approached near together, & that th'encounter waws fully resolved upon by both parties, Totilas in the night time seut certain of his horsemen before, commanding them to get over the river almost twenty furlongs above the camp of their enemies, & as soon as the battle was joined, to retire and assail the enemy behind with as much noise and hurlyburlye as they could. He himself (when he saw his time) marched toward his enemies. Theemperours' captains did the like. There was in thost of Tetilas a Gother called Vlarus mounted on a good courser and richly armed: who advancing himself before the battle, 
A combat hand to hand.  challenged to seight with any man hand to hand. Against this man offered himself to the combat Artavades the Armenian of whom mention was made in the entering into Veron. So in the sight of both th'arms, they fetched their razes & ran one at another with their spears in the rest. Artavades thrust the Gothe through the right side with his spear so that he fell down dead. And he himself being driven by mischance upon the spear of the dead man sticking in the ground through the only force & violence of his own horse, ran himself upon the poignet of it, in so much that it wounded him through his Curet, of the which wound he died within three days after. The two battles in the mean time encountered very fiercely, & every man showed his cunning what he was able to do with his weapon. When the battle was at the whotest, & that both parts were most intentife to their feyghtinge, victory as yet inclining to neither side, the soldiers of Totilas which had passed the river came & set upon Themperors Captains behind. 
The imperials are vanquished by Totilas.  Whereupon arose a great noise, & many being beaten down, first they broke the array of the emperors army, & anon after put them to open flight. For after the time their battles were once opened, their enemies pressed so sore upon them both before & behind, the they were soon disper peled. Many were slain by the Goths in the chase, & many escaped by bypathes & unknown ways. But the greatest number was of them the were taken prisoners Moreover (which never happened before) all that standards, bamners & antesiges, 
The great & dishonourable loss in this battle.  of th'emperors army were taken in the battle, & being brought unto Totilas, made his victory more famous & renowned, in the he having scars half so many men in his army as his enemies, had wittingly & willingly encountered with a greater power than his own, of whom through his martial polity he had gotten the victory. Having thus gotten the uppeer hand, he used the victory very courteously vexing none of the prisoners but sending divers away without ransom The which his gentleness did gractly augment his honour and renown. 
The gentleness of Totilas after his victory,  The captains of justinian the escaped, fled first unto Pleasans, & from thence went every man a sundry way, busying themselves as much as might be in raising a new army of men.   

The .v. Chapter.  
¶ justine one of th'emperors captains in be seged within florence, & rescowed by tother imperial captains, who in the pursuit of their enemies through an untrue report cast in sudden fear are with great slaughter put to flight. Totilas recovereth divers towns in Lombardie, raiseth the walls of benevent & besiegeth Naples, A comparison be tween the good government of Totilas and the misgovernaunceof the Imperial Captains.  
WIthin a while after this victory, Totilas now conceiving greater things in his mind, sent an army to Hetruria whereof he made captains three of the worthiest men of all the Goths, Beldas, Roderick, & Vliaris. There was in Hetruria a captain called justine, one of those that had been at the foresaid battle. Who after the discomfiture had never ceased leving of a new power, 
The besieging of florence & the raising of the same.  & fortifying of the towns never theles th'army of Totilas came suddenly upon him, & besieged him within the walls of florence. justine feared nothing so much as scarcity of victuals. For nothing couled be conveyed in, & that which was within already, was like to be so●●e spent. Whereupon be sent to the rest of the Captains at Ravenna & advertised them in what peril his estate should; requesting them of succour. Being moved with this message, Bessas', Cyprian & john Vitalian came into Hetruria with their armies when the Goths had understanding of their approach, by & by they broke up their slege & dislodged their camp, not staying any where, until they came to a place called Muciall whythe is a days ioumey from florence.  
As soon as th'army of conseverats was entered into florence, the Captains thought it good to leave a few behind them for defence of the town, & they themselves with all the rest of th'army to marthe against th'enemy. While they were on their way, it seemed good the some one of the Captains should go quickly before to assasse th'enemy, & to stay him from going away, & the rest with all speed should follow after. When lots were cast, the charge of going before fell unto john, who with his men in good order of battle, made haste toward the enemies. Now the enemies being afraid at the coming of the host, forsake the place where they had emcamped themselves first, and gate them to a hill thereby both step and hard to clyurbe unto. Yet for all that john made no courtesy at the matter when he came to place, but directed his battle against the hill, and with a noble courage endeavoured to get up by plain force. His enemies stood earnestly at defence, as they that might cassye make resistens from the higher ground. In this place whiles john strove to get up, feightinge valiantly among the formest, one of his companions was stricken through with a pick and slain hard by his side. 
An untrue report cause of a shameful discomfiture.   
Whereupon forthwith rose an untrue rumour (which was lightly believed) that john was slain, and therewithal his men began to run away. The brute hereof being reported to them that came with the rest of th'army behind, together with the fearful flight of such as were at the battle, made them also most shamefully to run away. Neither was there any measure of their flight, but scattering themselves here some & they broke their array and forsook their standard. By means whereof the Captains themselves were faint to take them to flight also without compulsion of any enemy. After this time they came no more together again, but every man kept by himself one in one town and another in another, as they had recovered unto out of the chase. Yet for all that, the Goths returned not to the siege of florence, partly for fear of the great power of their enemy, the which although it were dispersed, yet was it still within the compass of Hetruria, and partly because the winter drew near. This was the end of the seven years since Belisarius began the wars first. The next year following, 
Totilas recovereth towns in Lombary  as soon as the time of the year served to encamp in the field. Totilas levied an army and came into lombardy, and there besieged Cesen, and Petra the which town is now a days commonly called by a corrupt name Bretines', as for all the rest of the towns of that country, for the most part either he had won them by force, or else taken them by composition, when he had thus compassed his matters in that country, he passed from thence with his army into Hetruria. There finding all things whoter for him than he looked for, he determined fully not to spend his time in waste about them. And therefore passing over the river Tiber which bowndeth Hetruria, he took his journey through the Vmbres, the Sabities, and the Marses into ampany, 
Totilas raseth the walls of benevent.  in the which place he won the city of benevent, and razed down the walls of it to the ground. For he was loath that so strong and defensible a City should belefte for his enemies, (if they should happen to come into these borders, to make they, Bulwark and fortress of. 
The siege of Naples.  The which done he besieged Naples, having first entreated them gently with many words, that they would rather accept his friendship, then procure his displeasure. But his words were to no purpose. For there was in garrison Conon one of justinian's Captains with a band of not so few as a thousand soldiers, who would suffer nothing to be done in counsel, without his cousent. The which thing when Totilas understood, he planted his siege not far from the City. Howbeit he assaulted it not, but sat still in quiet. In the mean while he sent part of his army abroad, and recovered Cume with certain other towns in those borders, by the which he gate a great mass of money, Besides this there happened certain noble women of Rome to be taken in those places. 
An example of clementy and magnanimity.   
All the which Totilas caused to be berries courteously entreated without restraint of their liberty, and sent them home again to their husbands and parents with an honourable company to safeconduct them. And forasmuch as in those borders was not any Captain or any power to withstand the doings of Totilas, he sent este one part of his army and este another, so long until he had brought under his obeysans Appulia, Lucavie, and Calabre with all their towns. By means whereof if came to pass, that there hwas not any more money paid out of those countries to justinian's Captains and soldiers, 
See what want of good government doth in war.  nor any man that would obey the Captains, or fet one foot out of doors to go with them, For the soldiers iurking within the walled towns rob and pilled as well their friends as their foes, and through their extortion evil rule made havoc of all things. And the Captains for the same cause keeping themselves within the walls, did no more but only defend the towns from the enemy. For they parted the cities among them, so that john had the charge of Rome, Bessas' the charge of Spolet, Cyrpian the charge of Perusia, justine the rule of florence, and Constantian the keeping of Raucinia. In the mean time Naples began to be every day in worse case than other, by means of the siege. For Totilas having sent for his fleet had keeped them so short, that nothing could be conveyed in neither by water nor by land. Whereby it was to be perceived, that unless some body rescued it, that city was like at length to come in subjection to the enemy.   

The vi Chapter.  
¶ A new Lieutenant is sent toward Italy whose cowardoesse in protracting of the time doth not a little endamage the imperials. Demetrius deviseth produently for the rescowing of Maples, which for want of courage in executing the same turneth to his own destruction.  
IVstinian hearing of this, 
A new lieutenant sent into italy.  and being disquieted for the miserable estate of italy and the dishonour of the Empire. Sent one Marimius (receiver of his revenues) into italy, to amend and repair thyriges amiss, giving him a navy of ships and an army of Thracians and Armenians. Captain of the Thracians was Herodian, and Captain of the Armenians was Phases. Besides these, he had also in his ships no small number of the Huns. 
The cowardness of Marimius.  Marimius' departing from Constantinople, came into Epyre. There in deliberating upon the affairs of italy, hanging in doubt between hope and fear, through his flouthfullnesse and cowardice, he lost the tyme. For this Maximine was a good gentyllman, of a mild nature, meet for matters of peace, but altogether unskyllfull of warlike exploits, and therefore fearful, finding delays and casting doubts in every triste. Now th'affairs of Italy at the time, required quick speed both in consulting and in working. justinian saw so small hope of any good doing in Marimine, he sent one Demetrius (because that lately before he had served under Belisarius in the wars in Italy, with another navy into Sicil. This Dometrius when he was arrived in Sicill, hearing of the siege of Naples, and of the dyftresse that they were put unto that were within, determined to secure them, 
The prudent policy of demetrius if he had followed it.  and that without further delay. Now for as much as he thought himself not able to do it by plain force, by cause that neither his ships nor his army were sufficient thereunto, he dettysed this policy. He gate together all the ships that he could come by in Sicill, and made of them a great fleet as to the show, the which he fraughted with corn, and so made sail toward Naples. This thing did both greatly comfort the bespeged, and also put the Goths in great fear. For they had heard say he was coming with a great number of ships, and they thought verily he had brought a great power of men in them. And surely if he had gone directly 〈◊〉 Naples at the 〈◊〉, all things had happened to good success and the besieged city had out of all doubt been saved. For his enemies were so dismayed at the multitude of his ships that they durst not have made any countenance of resistens. Howbeit he knowing his own weakness, durst not arrive at Naples, but went to Rome, to th'intent there to furnyshe his navy with men, and so to sail strongly unto Naples.  
But the soldiers that were at Rome would not take shipping for him. For by reason they had been vanquished by the Goths in two fought battles, they stood in fear of them beyond all measure. Being therefore destitute of this hope, Demetrius was compelled to go against his enemies with those ships only, that he brought with him from Constantinople. 
Occasion let slip will not be cawght again.  Totilas kept continually ready furnished certain swift Pyvesses in the haven of Naples, and always took diligent bheede to the fleet of Demetrius, wherefore when he heard that Demetrius was set out of Rome toward Naples, and that he was arrived at the next shore, suddenly he set upon him with his Pynesses thorough the which sudden unlooked for assault, the shipmen and soldiers were stricken in such a fear, that they took them to flight.  
The Goths pursewinge them with their swift Pynesses, made a great slaughter and took all Demetrius ships with their freight and men. For none escaped of that fleet except it were such as at the beginning had leapt into boats & hidden themselves, among whom was Demetrius Captain of the said fleet:   

¶ The vii Chapter.  
❧ Demetrius sailing again to the rescowing of Naples is taken prisoner, whereupon Naples is yielded to Totilas who benaveth himself very courteously and friendly both to the town smen and to the emperors soldiers, but toward his own men extendeth much severity in keeping warlike discipline.  
AFTER this Marimine sailed out of Epire into Sicill with a greater navy, 
A cowardly carpet knight.  and a greater furniture of men. And when he was arrived at Syracuse, through his accustomed cowardice in delaying and driving of, he lost the time again. Neither regarding the necevine, nor the 〈◊〉 of such as were besieged. At the length when justinian had sent straight charge unto him, not without threats, that he should proceed, yet could not all that cause him to sail against his enemies, but he delivered the charge of his fleet to Demetrius Herodian and Phases, and he himself abode still in Sicill.  
It was now the dead of the winter when they began to set forth. 
A tempest.   
And when they came within a little of Naples suddenly the fleet was taken with a vehement tempest, in so much that neither oars nor any cunning in the world could save them but that they were driven a land perforce upon the shore where their enemies were encamped. 
Demetrius is taken prisoner.  The Goths perceiving that, ran thither and without any a do took the ships If any made resistens they slew them, the 〈…〉. Of the which number Demetrius was one. Whom Totilas commanded to be brought fettered in chains unto the walls of Naples, where calling Conon Captain of the Town and the soldiers with the citizens of Naples, Demetrius by the Kings commandment made an oration, persuading them not to look for any more help. For considering that those two fletes with all their men and furniture were lost, there remained not any hope for them to trust unto. They that were besieged being sore pined with hunger, when they saw Demetrius taken and all hope of comfort cut of, fell to weeping and lamentation, not knowing what to do or which way to turn them in so much that all the city was in a wonderful trouble and disquietness for fear. When Totilas rerceived that, he called them and spoke unto them as they stood upon the walls in this wise. Ye men of Naples, we have not gone about to besiege your city, for any anger or displeasure that we bear against you, but to th'intent that by setting you free from the bondage of our enemy, we might recompense you for the troubles that you have suffeted in the time of these wars at our onemyes' hands, for keeping your allegeans to the Goths. For you only of all the Italians utterly against your wills came in subjection of our enemies, compelled thereto by violence & slaughter, and well nigh by the utter destruction of your city. And therefore me thinks I am ashamed that we have besieged you, but that necessity constrained us because our enemies were amongst you. Wherefore assure yourselves, rather of a good turn and of friendship at our hand then of any punishment. Moreover for your sakes we will not be any thing straight laced toward our onemyes that are in the Town with you. For if so be it they will render it up, they shall have free liberty and leave to choose, whether they will serve us in our wars in like estate and case as other of our own soldiers, or else depart whither they list themselves with bag and baggage. This our promise we are contented to consyrme with an other. Both the Neapolitans and the emperors soldiers commended Totilas his words. Nevertheless to th'intent their yielding might seem the more honest and reasonable, they desired a Truce for thirty days, if perchance any body would rescue them within that tyme. Totilas answered that he was contented to give them not thirty, by thrice thirty days respite. 
Naples is yielded to rotilas.  The besieged wondering at so great liberty, and plainly perceiving that there was no hope of help, within few days after set open their gates, 
The courteous and trendlye behaviour of Totilas toward the neapolitaner.  and received Totilas and his army into the Town. When the was come into Naples, he entreated not any man otherwise then well neither was he grievous to any person but rather used such humanity and courtesy as would not have been thought to have been in a barbarous Gothe.  
For where as many through hunger were brought so bare and so weak, that they were not able to totre on their legs, and were fallen sick, to the intent they should not cast themselves away with overlayinge their stomachs by feeding to greadely, he looked carefully and diligently unto them, that not only the Citizens of Naples. But also the soldiers had every day twice, a small pyttans allowed them by weight, streyghtelye observing that they should not have more any where else and that every day by little and little their meals should be increased. To Conon and the men of war which were minded to departed, he appointed ships to convey them. And where as by means of contrary winds they could not depart within the day limited unto them, yet not with standing he gave them free liberty. And furthermore when as the wind commued dill against them, and that they determined to go away byland, he lent them horses and beasts for their carriages, allowing them moreover victuals and money to spend by the way, and also sent of the Goths with them to saufconduyt them. 
The severity of Totilas toward malefactors.  Thus Totilas used gentleness toward strangers, but among his own men he kept so straight order, that he suffered no offence to scape unpunished the punishment of stealers, quarrelers, & ravishers of women was death, and the forfeiting of all their goods, to the use of them against whom the displeasure was done. By means whereof wheresoever the Goths encamped, or passed in and out through any of the Cities or countries that were in league with them, there was no harm done to any of them. 
Licentious liberty pernicious to men of war.  But the case stood far otherwise in those days with the Captains of justinian. For the Captains themselves could not hold their hands from doing wrong, and the soldiers through their evil ensample fallen is all kind of licentiousness, abstained from nothing that was evil. Neither was there any thing more miserable in those days, than the people of Italy that were under th'empire, being without their walls spoiled by the enemy, and within their walls by their own men of war. For the captains having taken the strong holds for their own safeguard, passed not what became of the poor commons. Through this injurious dealing, despair so increased day by day more and more, that the Emperor was fain to determine with himself to send Belisarius thither again. For all the other Captains were so far from recovering that which was lost, that it was not like they should any long time be able to keep that which they had.   

The eight Chapter.  
¶ Belisarius being sent again into Italy, in his way doth rescowe Hydrunt besieged by the Cothes. the miserable estate of Italy at that time, Totilas receiveth Tibut and besiegeth Auximum, Vitalis is forsaken of his own soldiers. Belisarius sendeth secure to Auximum, and repaireth Pysanrum Totilas besiegeth Asculum and Firmum.  
FOr these considerations Belisarius was chosen again to take the charge of the wars in Italy, 
Belisarius diligence in choosing of his soldiers.  and yet the wars were scarcely finished the which all this mean time he had made against the Medes. Therefore when he saw there was no remedy but to muster new soldiers, (for he had lest his old army at the river Euphrates,) he went about all Thrace, where through his liberal spending he gathered to the number of four thousand without commission, the which he embarked speoely, and raking with him victuals the Lieutenant of Illiricum which came newly to him out of Italy, sailed forward, & having cut over the Ionian sea, arrived at Salons. In the time of this journey, he raised a siege about Hidrunt a Town of Calabre. 
The rescowig of Hidrunte now called Otronto.  For they that were besieged being compelled thereto by the Goths for want of victuals, had compounded to yield up the town by a certain day, if they were not rescued in the mean time. Whereof Belisarius having knowledge, commanded Valentine to sail thither, & to carry with him come & other necessaries, and to bring away the soldiers that had been long besieged there, putting new in their rooms. This was an easy matter to bring to effect. 
In greatest calm for a storm provide.  For the Goths after the truce taken, looked but slightly to them, not so much as mistrusting that any body would come to succour them. By means whereof when 〈…〉 upon them unlookes for, they trembled for fear & were fain to break up their siege and get them further of. Valentyne entering into the town, took the old soldiers out of the hold, and placed new in their steads, leaving them dictualls for a whole year. The which done he returned with those ships that he brought with him, unto the rest of the fleet at Salons. After his return Belisarius sailed to Pole, 
Belisarius arrival in Italy.  where having tarried a while to practise his young soldiers that he had mustered in Thrace at length with his whole navy he sailed to Ravenna. At his coming thi\ther, he found all things in worse case through Italy than he thought they had been. For his enemies seemed to have the better end of the staff every where, and to stand in best hope and possibility. Contrariwise his friends and adhearentes were everywhere through all Italy discouraged and brought in despair. 
The misery of Italy through misgovernment,  The cities and people of the country because they were 〈◊〉 & molested by the men of war, & the men of war because th'emperor was behind hand with their wages for a long time & paid none, became stubborn and froward, refusing either to be ruled by the captains, or to set onefote out of doors to the wars. And to say the truth they were brought to a very small number. As for the coming of Belisarius, it did rather increase their despair then any whit comfort them. 
A Captain is able to do no thing without men and money.  For albeit he were a notable captain, & out of all doubt in those days peerless, yea & in deed a very Master of Chivalry, yet notwithstanding forasmuch as he brought but a slender company with him (for he had but four thousand & those were all unpractised and freshwater soldiers and had no money to deal amongst them, when he preached unto them at Ravenna declaring the cause of his coming and exhorting them to go forward with the wars, neither the Townsmen nor yet the men of war were 〈…〉 gave any token of comfort & good hope. insomuch that it repented Belisarius himself that he was come into Italy. 
Totilas receiveth Tibur.  In the mean time there rose a dissension between the townsmen and the soldiers of Tibur, by means whereof Totilas being called to the aid of the one part received the whole town. The City of Tibur is near neighbour unto Rome, 
Tibur xvi miles from Rome.  being distant from thence no further than syrtene miles. The taking whereof was a great eye sore and noyous to the Romans, as whereby they were 〈◊〉 of all things in Latium. 
He besiegeth Auximum.  After thus Totilas having perfect intelligence of the coming of Belisarius, went with his army into the country of the Picentes, and encamped about Auximum. 
The unfaithfulness of the Illirian soldiers toward their captain.  The very same season had Belisarius sent Vitalis with a convenient crew of Illirians into the country about Bononie.  
After the ●yme he had won a 〈…〉 town thereabouts, and had been received into Bononie, the Illirians without any cause why or wherefore for soak him, and assembling themselves together went their ways home. For the which deed they afterward alleged this excuse unto th'emperor, that whiles they were serving him in his wars in Italy, the Collectors of his tributes, did sell their  velond in their Country, and cast their wives and children out of house and home, by means whereof they were compelled to return thither to defend their own. When Totilas heard of this sudden departure of the Illirians he sent out an army of Goths, in hope to have taken Vitales and the rest of his company tardy. But they preventing him, had recovered unto Ravenna. Belisarius knowing that they which were besieged at Auximum were sore oppressed, sent to their aid a thousand horsemen over whom he made three Captains Teremunt, Ricilas', and Sabinian, whee entering into the town priutly by night, the next duye following made a skirmish with the Goths, by whom Ricils one of the Captains was slain. The rest within a fowe days after determined to depart. For they saw that by their tarrying there, they did but help to spend their friends victuals and necessaries, and could do their enemies no harm. hereupon stealing out of the town by night, when they had gone about three miles on their way, they fell into an ambush of their 〈◊〉, by whom being be set on all sides and so put to fright, they louste two hundred of their company together with their apparel, armour, and all other stuff & the beasts that carried them. The refidue after long and weary travel reconered unto Arimin. Fanum & Pysanrum are Cities standing upon the coast of thadriatic sea, and are situate beetwene Auximum and Arimine. These towns at the beginning of these wars, has Viligis 〈…〉, & beaten down the walls of them mydway to the ground. 
Belisarius repaireth Pisanrum, & manneth in now called Pezaro  Of these two Belisarius determined to repair Pysaurum, and to place a Thrope of horsemen in the same, for the accomplishment whereof, he sent workmen thither secretly, to take just measure of the gates, the which he caused to be framed at Ravenna with locks, henges, bars, and all other iron work belonging unto them, and caused them to be conveyed by water to Pysaurum, writing to the Captains and horsemen of Arimine, that they should suddenly take the town and hang up the gates, and mend up the walls of rough work, and cleanse the dyches. As for all kind of vyand he peovided that it was sent them by Sea. The horsemen of Arimine therefore when they had taken Pisaurum, did all things according to Belisarius commandment. Totilas' pierce aving that, went thither with a great power to interrupt them of their work.  
But 〈…〉 them in scouring the 〈◊〉, in casting of the tronches, in making of Ra●●pyres, in fortifying the town, and in repairing the walls & the bulwarks, that the king wondered to see so many things so wittily devised and politicly brought to pass in so few days And therefore when he had tarried a while there abouts, forasmuch as he saw he could do no good, he returned into his camp before Alximun, never the nearer of his purpose. Howbeit Totilas & the Goths perceiving that Belisarius showed not himself abroad in the open fields with th'emperors army in no part of Italy, but only kept himself within the walled towns and defended them, they determined not to sit altogether about Auximum only but to make war against other Cities also. 
Totilas besiegeth Asculum and Firmum.  hereupon Totilas went with an army and besieged Asculum and Firmum among the Picentes.  
Belisarius 〈…〉 such as were besieged that called upon him daily for help, (for he had not so great a power that he durst venture abroad against the Goths) was in great perplexity, and took it very grevousty that his name should be so dishonoured, At the length he sent john Vitalian to Themperor to inform him of the state of Italy, by whom he addrefied his letters also, the tenor whereof contained this in effect.   

The ix Chapter.  
¶ The Copy of Belisarius letters to th'emperor the good success of Totilas, the valiant Demeanour of Sisifride the traitorous murdering of Cyprian and the manliness of his soldiers.  
Most noble and puissant Emperor your Majesty hath sent me into Italy slenderly furnished of men, 
Belisarius letters to th'emperor  horses, and money, the which thing I declared unto you before my 〈◊〉 besuching your highness to have redressed the matter. In the which suit albeit I could not prenafle: yet notwithstanding it was my duty to be obedient to your edmaundement. Whereby I was constrained to come forth with a few Thracians and Illirians, the same being freshwater soldiers and altogether unskilful of the wars, not knowing so much as how to hold their weapons in their hands. And as for the old soldiers that I found in Italy, by reason they had been vanquished in diverese battles before by the Goths, they are so afraid of them, that they dare scarce once look upon them. Bespdes this, forasmuch as they have been long time defrauded of their wages, they at not able to furnish themselves again with horse and armour lost and broken in the former wars, neither will they consent to go forth with them. And yet to say the truth, there is not so great a number of them, that they can encounter against the power of the enemy, without their own manifest peril and danger. For the greater part of them that were wont to fight under your highness banner in Italy, provoked by the aforesaid displeasures, have of their own accord revolted to your enemy. Furthermore you may not accontpte hereafter, that you are like to have any revenues here, toward the payment of your soldiers, considering that the enemy hath recoucred that greater part of Italy, & that which remaineth is so impoverished and afflicted by the wars, that it is not by any means able to yield you tributes. Wherefore if the presence of Belisarius be sufficient to recover Italy, you have done as much as may be done in that behalf for I am here in Italy. But if you purpose to overcome your enemies in deed your Majesty must make other provision. For a Captain (be he never so valiant, politic and fortunate,) is able to do nothing, if he have not where with to accomplish his 〈◊〉. And therefore it is requisite that you send me hither an army of mine own practised soldiers, together with a great multitude of the Huns and other Barbarous people. Morecover you must of necessity provide that we may have always store of money. for without that, there is no good to be done in wars. Thus much did Belisarius write to th'emperor at that tyme. john going to justinian with these instructions, and having tarried there a certain time, had a very slow & could suit for he could bring nothing to effect. 
The success of Totilas.  In the mean while forasmuch as no man rescued Asculum & Firmum the were besieged by Totilas, he took them by composition. From thence he departed out of the Picentes into Vinbria and besieged Asessum and Spolet. Captain of Spolet was Herodian and Captain of Asessum was Sisifride. Herodian although his piece were strong and defensible, yet notwithstanding he took truce for a few days, within the which because no rescue came, yielding the town and the hold at the day appointed, he himself with his soldiers revolted to Totilas. But Sisifride behaved himself more valiantly: 
The valiant & faithful demean nor of Sisifride.  for albeit his piece were nothing so strong as the others, yet could he never abide to here any word of composition, but like a stout warrior, issued out valiantly diverese times upon the Goths, and fought sundry skirmishes with them to his great praise and commendation. Howbeit at the length fight manfully he was slain by his enemies. The Citizens of Assisis being destitute of the help of that worthy Captain, within few days after yielded themselves & their town unto Totilas. From thence Totilas led his army against Perusium. 
The traitorous murdering of Cyprian & the manfulnesse of his fouldiers.  Captain thereof was Cyprian of whom mention is made before among the Captains of justinian. Totilas' pereceaving the he could not win him, neither by fair means nor by foul, corrupted one of his esquires called Vliarus for a piece of money, by whose falsehood and treachery he kyiled him. Nevertheless after the death of Cyprian, the soldiers punished the treason upon Vliarus head, and manfully defended the City still.   

¶ The ten Chapter.  
¶ Totilas besiegeth Rome, and Belisarius prepareth to rescowe the same. The misfortune of th'imperials at Portua, Pelagius a Decon of Rome goeth to Totilas to entreat for his Citizens & cannot be heard.  
TOtilas therefore minding not to linger about it any longer, broke up his siege there, & made toward Rome. When he came thither, 
Totilas besiegeth Rome.  he planted his siege about the same in places convenient, but yet he troubled not the husbandmen. For all the time of this wars he never suffered any of the Tylmen and husbandmen to be hurt or hindered by his men of war. There was in garrison at Rome Bessas' one of the emperors Captains, & Conon which not long Sithence had been Captain of Naples. Also Belisarius had sent thither, Artasyras a Persian, and Barbation a Thracian with a convenient number of soldiers, to look to the safe keeping of the City with the other Captains. The Goths being thus settled about Rome, Artasyras & Barbation issued out with their retinue and fought with them. At the first they put them to flight, but thorough following the chase to far, they were at length entrapped by their enemies, and with the loss of the more part of their men hardly and narrowly escaped themselves into the Cycye. From that time forward hope daily decaying, first came dearth and afterward famine among them. For nothing could be conneyed into them by land, by reason the Goths had beset them round about. nor yet by water forasmuch as the navy that Totilas had of late builded at Naples, and then sent abroad, so scoured the Seas that no ship of burden could pass for them. Besides this the very same time arose within the city of Rome great presumptions of treason. For the which Cethegus chief Precedent of the Senate of Rome, being banished the city fledded to Centmucelles. While these things were a doing at Rome, another army of the Goths by the commandment of Totilas besieged Pleasans. The same is a great city by the river Po, and all only of the cities of that Country, continued in faithful obedience to the Empire. When Belisarius beheld these things, 
Belisarius deviseth to succour Rome.  he was very sorrowful and full of care for the peril of the city of Rome, in as much as he was not able to remedy it from Ravenna where he was, because that with that small and slender company which he had about him, it was not for him to departed from thence, consydring his enemies held all the Countries between him and Rome, so that he could not go thither by land, whereupon he devised to secure them another way. For the performance whereof leaving justine with a band of soldiers at Ravenna, he himself went to 
* Now called Durazo.  Dirrachium in Dalmatia, intending there to await the coming of a new army from the Emperor. In the mean time Rome was straightly besieged in such sort that all things were worse and worse, and like to fall to utter decay and ruin. Valentine and Phocas being sent before by Belisarius, held the Town of Portua, and from thence did greatly molest and endamage the enemy with continual roads almost day by days. After they had done thus a certain space with good success, and by means thereof greatly relieved them that were besieged, 
The evil fortune of the imperials.  at length falling into an ambush and being environed of their enemies they were slain, and but a very few of their soldiers escaped, the which had much a do to recover the town of Portua. This slaughter of the Captains and the soldiers drew with it a greater discommodity, 
One mischief in another's. neck.  for it was the loss of a great deal of corn by such a means Vigilius the bishop of Rome living at that time in Sicill, hearing that the people of Rome were fore afflicted with famine, had shipped a great deal of Corn and sent it toward Rome. The Goths having knowledge thereof, when the ships approached conveyed themselves before into the haven, and hiding them behind the Towers and buildings lay ready for them in Ambush. The soldiers that were with in the town for as much as lately before they had lost their Captains, and their companions for the most part were slain, they being so few left, durst not adventure out against their enemies, but as well as they could from the walls and bulwarks with shaking their garments, with wagging their hands and with crying out a loud to them made tokens to the shipmen that there was treason in the haven, warning them to beware and not to arrive there, But the shipmen (as they that had not heard any thing of the unfortunate battle and the loss of the Captains) took those signs and tokens that were made, as signs and tookens of gladness and encouragement to come with more speed. whereupon making the more haste, with a fresh gale of wind they entered into the haven. Where they were all taken by the Goths breaking out of the ambush, to the great discomfort and despair of the people of Rome, which hung wholly upon the only hope of that borne. In so much that now the Town was oppressed with intolerable famayne. And the Goths thereupon pressed the more boldly upon them. 
An example of emploing spiritual goods.  There was at the same time in Rome a certain Deacon called Pelagius, who in this distress of famine, had showed very many & notable works of mercy upon the people of Rome, by laying out his money & relieving the want and endinesse of every man. For the which almose deeds (whereas his name was greatly renowned in times past, now it was far more renowned then before; The romans came unto this man humbly beseeching him the for the safeguard of the people of Rome, he would vouchsafe to go of Ambassade to Totilas and entreat him to grant them a truce for a few days within the which unless rescue came, the city should be given up unto him. Pelagius forasmuch as he saw there was none other remedy, obeyed the people's request, and with his instructions went to Totilas into his camp. 
Prosperity maketh men forget themselves.  Totilas coniecturinge the effect of his errand (for he had learned by the runagates the utter necessity and distress that the besieged were brought unto) entertained Pelagius very honourably at his coming. Howbeit before he had begun to declare his message, he himself preventing him, with a long and bitter oration, inveighed against the Romans, casting them in the teeth with the benefits of Theoderich and the Goths towards them, and reproving them of their untruth toward the Goths. In th'end he concluded that there was no way either of communication or composition, unless they would beat down their walls, and wholly submit themselves & all that they had bodles & goods to the will and discretion of the Goths to be dealt withal in such wise as should please the conquierours. Pelagius hearing him talk so bitterly and disdainfully and thinking in himself that it botted not to stand in contention with him, said thus unto him. Forasmuch as thou Totilas hast not vouchsafed to here an Ambassador tell his message, but by preven ting him haste abridged him of the liberty of speaking, 
God the refuge in extremities.  we will fly unto God who of his justice is wont to abate the courages of men, when they grow over proud and stately. When he had said those words, he returned by and by into the city. The Romans saying him come again without speding of his purpose, were in such an agony that they wist not what to do nor which way to turn them. For on the oneside they were afflicted with intolerable famine, and on th'otherside stood before their eyes the outrageous cruelty of Totilas & of the goths, whose most cruel hands rather than they would fall into, they fully determined to starve themselves for hunger. By means whereof the people of Rome suffered and abode such things, as it is a misery even to rehearse them.   

The xi Chapter.  
¶ john Vitalian cometh with a new power from the emperor, whereupon advise is taken for the succouring of Rome, according to the which Belisarius goeth to Portua by water commanding john to meet him there by land. But he through the prosperousa snccesse that he hath against the Goths cometh not there at all. By means whereof Belisarius is feign to devise another way for the succouring of the City the which by his industry taking good effect against th'enemy is by the folly of his own men interrupted to his own great sorrow and appairing of his health through rage of anger and sudden fear, and to the utter preiud ice of Rome. For Totilas anon after taketh and sacketh it the which done he maketh an oration to his soldiers.  
IN the mean time justinian sent john with an army unto Belisarius. 
The return of iohn with answer from th'emperor.  They were not any great number that he set forth at the time, but he prepared to send a greater power out of hand. For the which occasion he had sent his Chamberlain Narses unto the Erulians & other barbarous nations inhabiting about the river of Danow, of the which some were already come into Thrace. 
Debating in counsel for the rescowing of rome.  When th'armies were assembled to Dirrhachisi, & that consultation was had as concerning the war, it was agreed by one consent first of all to rescue the romans. But how that might be done there was diversity of opinions. john persuaded to march with all the whole power together thorough Calabre & appulia & so to go to Rome. For if they went all in one company they might be the better able to get the upper hand whereas if th'army should be divided and some should go by sea anbd some by land, none of both parts should be able to match the enemy. Belisarius said he could well allow the same opinion, if the people of Rome stood not at such an exigent. But now considering their estate, it was needful to make all speed the might be. It was a long journey to go through Calabre and Appulia, & if their enemies should meet them they might cast many lets in their way, whereas by the sea if the wind served, their navy might within five days arrive in the Roman haven, & by their being so near at hand, put the Romans in certain hope & comfort. For he had heard of thunfortunate mischance of his captains, & knew of the loss of the corn that was sent out of Sicill, whereupon he considered in his mind the despair & disstresse the the Romans were in. This opinion was allowed in the counsel, & thereupon Belisarius setting forth from Dirrhachium arrived at Hidrunt. The Goths which were besieging of that town being stricken with fear at the presence of Belisarius, broke up their siege and flying from his sight retired to Brunduse, the which is about two days journey from Hidrunt. By and by they sent unto Totilas advertising him of Belisarius coming, believing that he would have journeyed by land. When Totilas heard that, forthwith he put himself & his army in a readiness to go meet him. But when he understood that Belisarius went by sea, he addressed himself wholly to withstand him about the City of Rome, inespecially making provision that nothing might be conveyed into the City to them that were besieged, by the river Tiber. For the accomplisment whereof he devised this practice. He chose a place about eleven miles of from Rome where the river Tiber is narrowest, & there he laid over long beams from thoneside to tother in manner of a bridge at each end whereof he builded a Tower of Timber, & drew a long pron chain by the bridges side, at the ends whereof he made two bastiles the which & the aforesaid towers he manned with soul dyer's to defend the bridge. 
Belisarius cometh to Pottua for the rescowing of Rome.  In the mean while was Belisarius come to the Roman haven. And having set his men a land, tarried for john & th'army that was with him. The Rmaines knowing of his coming, endured all their extremities with better courage upon hope of rescue. john after the departure of Belisarius, having cut over the narrow seas, had invaded the Goths looking for nothing less, and having put them to flight, 
The good success of john against the Goths.  with great slaughter pursued them, & at the first assault won Brunduse. Then having reconciled the people of Calabre & brought them again to favour th'emperor, with many fair promises made unto them, he departed from Brunduse, & after v. removings came to Canusium, the which town he also brought in subjection. Not far from Canusium is the village of Cannas, 
Cannas.  where the notable battle was fought between Hannibal and the Romans. In this place one Tullian the son of Venant a man of great name & authority among the Lucan's came to john delcaring to him that the Lucanes & Brutians had taken part with his enemies not of their own accord, but compelled by the displeasures done to them by the imperials. Wherefore if the Emperor would entreat them friendly & gently, the people would willingly return under his obedience. john loading him with commendations & thanks promised him great rewards, & afterward used his help to his great commodity & furtherance. AT such time as Totilas hard of john's approach, he sent a crew of his horsemen to Capua, commanding them to keep themselves close within the walls, and to make no show at all to their enemies until they were passed, and then to follow the tail of their host. What was to be done afterward he willed them to cast the care bpon him. This thing so greatly troubled, john, that for fear he should be entrapped by his enemies, he left of his journey toward Belisarius, & turned himself toward the Brutians and Lucanes. There was among the Brutians a certain Gothe, called Richemond set there by Totilas with an army to keep the country in obedience, & to keep the entrance between Scylla & Charybdis. Him did john suddenly assail, and at the first brunt put him to flight, and after great slaughter received the rest the were left together with their Captain by composition. Hereupon all the Brutians & Lucanes revolted from the Goths to th'emperor. Whiles john occupied himself in this sort, Belisarius looked daily for him & was wonderful sorry for his long tariens, greatly blaming john's cowardice, that he had not sought against the horsemen that were at Capua, inespecially seeing that he himself had so notable a band of Horsemen of the Huns.  
Whereby he 〈…〉 have come through maugre his enemy's heads, and ●●eded not to have turned back again so shamefully. These and such other things did Belisarius find fault with. But it booted him not to complain, for john had taken up his standing in Appulia, and there determined to abide minding nothing less than to go to Rome. Belisarius therefore fearing lest the besieged should think themselves abandoned, and through despair should chance to miscarry determined to secure them by the Tiber, for his power was not so great that he was aby to encounter with his enemies upon the land: and therefore he trusted rather to his policy and to the river for the succoring of the town. Upon this thought he bestyrde him & gate two hundred of those kind of ships which the Greeks call Dromades, 
Belisarius provision for the rescowing of Rome.  these ships have walls of timber on every fyde with loops in places connement to let out arrows and other weapons at the enemies 〈◊〉 the bridge and other things that were set to stop him upon the river, he made this devysethe set two ships upon the stream fastened surely together with bars & crows of iron, upon the same he builded a tower of timber somewhat higher than the towers that were builded at the ends of the bridge by his enemies. When these things were in a readiness, he caused the Dromades to be fraughted with corn & other sustenance to be conveyed to Rome, manning them with the stoutest and valiantest soldiers that he had. Commanding all the residue to go on fente by the rivers side, & to draw the ships with the tower. With his navy furnished & decked in this wise he set forward against his enemies. Herhymselfes entering into one of the Dromades sailed formest, and the rest followed him in order, his footmen also went by him upon the river bank. Furthermore he sent to Rome unto Bessas', that he should issue out at the very same time & heap the enemies as much occupied as he could. But Bessas' did neither that nor yet any thing else that was to any purpose during all that siege. Belisarius navy being decked in such sort as I have told you, went up the stream. Neither did the Goths meet them in any place, but kept themselves quietly within their bulwarks. When the ships came near the bridge there they found a trope of their enemies and one bastile set at the tone end of the chain, the which Belisarius soldiers won at the first assault, & so taking away the chain proceeded to the bridge. There began a cursed fray, the Goths endeavouring to defend the bridge, and the soldiers of Belisarius to win it. For the Goths issuing from both that towers at each end of the bridge, fought very valiantly. Again the soldiers driving the ships harder to the bridge, did beat the Goths and would not suffer them to stand upon it. In the mean while Belisarius caused the ships wherein the tower of timber was, to be brought as near the tower of his enemies as could be. And when they came hard to it he commanded the vessels of brimstone (which he had hanged in the top of his tower for the same purpose before) to be set on fire, and to be cast down upon the tower of his enemies, the which being done, the fire lighting upon the tower of his enemies, burned it up and all the Goths that were within it. There were not less than two hundred that perished in that fire among whom was the Captain of the hold himself, such a man of his hands as was not among all the Goths again. hereupon the soldiers assailing the rest of the Goths more boldly and fiercely, compelled them to give back, whereby they won the bridge, the which forthwith they purposed to have heaven down, and with their whole fleet to have sayied to Rome. For there remained not now any let in their ways, but that they might have gone to the City and have conveyed in the corn and all other necessaries, to the great renown and commendation of Belisarius, who had devised such a navy. 
Man purposeth and God disposeth.  But fortune (as it should seem) had determined other wise. For suddenly there happened a wonderful mischance (not by means of the enemy, but by his own men) which perverted all his devices. The Goths held the City Ostia which standeth on the left hand of Tyher by the sea side over against the which standeth the City Portua on the right hand of the river. When Belisarius set forth with his navy, he had left his wife and all his household furniture in the said town of Portua, and had appointed as ruler thereof one Isaac a valiant gentleman and a trusty with a convenient Crew of soldiers, commanding and heartily belieching him, that he would not for any chance or occasion, depart out of the town but keep himself within it and defendest only: Now at such time as Belisarius had set his enemies tower on fire (as we have delcared before) by & by ran certain to the town of Portua, and whereas the victory was notable of itself, they reported it far greater than it was in deed. At the which tidings Isaac leaping for joy & eralting himself in his own conceit, like a mad bedlam quite forgetting what Belisarius had said unto him, commanded his men to arm themselves, & in this sudden heat & extasye wafting over his men to invade his enemies that kept their standing on the other side of the river, ran upon them not far from the town of Ostia: Through his sudden assault at the first encounter he put them to styght. Howbeit anon after, his enemies gathering themselves together and encouraging one another, returned eftsoons upon him & having slain a great sort of his soldiers, to cool his fiery madness, took him prisoner. Immeviatly hereupon certain horsemen brought word to Belisarius that his enemies had taken Isaat praysoner. With the which tidings Belisarius being stricken to the heart, demanded not one word of the messenger where or in what sort, but misconstruing that his enemies had taken Portua, and been Lords of his wife & all that ever be had, he was suddenly stricken with such an inward sorrow, the he was not able to speak. And thereupon turning back again, he retired with his navy & his soldiers in all haste that might be, utterly determining either to recover the town while the matter was but newly begun, & his enemies had yet scarcely settled themselves, or else to die in the battle. By this means the victory which he had as good as gotten stypped out of his hands. But when he came to Portua & saw the town safe & himself deceived through light credit & mistaking of the message, he took so great sorrow for it, the he fell sick and was fain to keep his bed and besides that, he was taken with a sore and dangerous fever, which held him long time ere he could be rid of it. 
The worthy reward of wilful rashness.  Isaac the author of all this mischief was by the commandment of Totilas put to death in prison, in revengement of the death of Roderick Captain of the garrison, which had died of a wound taken in the foresaid batsel. For by this time had Totilas quite changed that gentleness which he had pretended in the beginning of his reign, into stateliness and cruelty. Verily either because his prosperous succeste made him forget himself, or else because his gentleness being but feigned at the beginning, could not continne. I assure you he would speak so bitterly of the people of Rome, that the very terror thereof was an occasion that they endured the famine more obstinately than they would have done, because every man was afraid of his outrageous cruelty. 
The miserable estate of Rome.  Therefore as long as ever there was any hope of help at Belisarius hand, the people of Rome beyond their power & (to say the truth) beyond the bonds of manhood and nature, endured the famine. For to omit other things, even the flesh of horses, asses, and mules were dainty delicates at that time in Rome, they thought they had sped well that could get either dogs or mice or such other unclean beasts to feed on: Othersome were glad to eat all kind of herbs, even such as the brute beasts would not have touched, and diverse lived by roots and barks of trees. But when they saw there was no hope of help, then turning to tears and lamentation, some fordid themselves, and some stealing out in that night attempted to deceive the watch of their enemies. Many also starved for hunger and want of food within their own houses, & never came out of their doors. While the City stood in this lamentable and piteous estate, 
Rome is betrayed.  four Isaurien soldiers conspired to betray it to the enemy these soldiers warded at the gate Celimontana, commonly called Asmaria, who after the time they were fully resolved upon the matter, did let themselves down the wall by a line, & went straight unto. Totilas' promyfing to betray that City into his hands. Totilas' encouraging them with promise of great rewards, sent certain of his men with them to view the place & to consider whither the thing they had promised, were possible to be done or no. The Isaurians leading them to the walls went up again in their fight by the same line that they flided down. And so when the experience of the matter had given sufficient credit, Totilas at that night appointed to the accomplishment of the mischief, commanded his host to be ready in armour about him by one of the clock after midnight. The which being done, he sent certain of his men before to get up by the line, and by himself following closely after with the rest of his army, stayed a little from the gate. They that were sent by Totilas, were according to covenant between him and the traitors, drawn up the walls, from whence they proceeded forthwith to the gate and with axes cut it open. Totilas having by this means entered into Rome, kept his army still about him at the gate, not suffering any of his men to run into the City, but kept them together with him until it was day, Suddenly there sprang a noise about that part of the town, that the enemy was gotten within the walls, & thereupon ensued a wonderful fear every man beginning to fly, Such as fled went out at those gates that were farthest from the place where the enemy entered. Many also both of the nobility and of the commonalty took sanctuary in the Churches. 
The sacking of Rome.  Assoon as it was day the enemies ran through all the City, and without any respect slew as many as came in their way.  
Totilas marching from Lateran where he had stood all night, went through the City to Saint peter's as it had been to perform his vow, accompanied with trains of most cruel and bloody butchers, which with their naked sword bathed in blood, slew all that ever came in their way without regard of any person. Having in this sort swept through the mydoest of the City from the one end to the other, when he came into the Vatican unto the portche of Saint peter's, 
Pelagius maketh supplication for his Citizens.  Pelagius of whom we read mention before, fearing to approach into presence, ravished in that apparel accustomed in solemn ceremonies, and bolding the Testament of Christ in his hand, kneeled humbly down on his knees, & said: O king I besicche thee spare thy humble suppliants. At that word Totilas dysdaynfully cast a proud look upon him, saying: comest thou now to me Pelagius to make supplication? Yea even now (ꝙ Pelagius) sithence it is the will of God to make thee Lord & Master over me. And therefore my sovereign Lord have mercy upon thy servants. Therewithal that wrath of Totilas was assuaged, insomuch that he made proclamation that from thence forth there should not any person be strike with that sword but that there should be respect from slaughter & bloodshed. Moreover he gave commandment, that no gentlewoman were she maid, married, wife or widow, should be defiled, that which he caused to be observed with great severity. Only the goods of the Romans he gave for a pray to his soldiers, gcuing straight charge that no man should be so bold as to touch their bodies. Then minding to pull down the courages of the Goths, putted up with pride for this victory, he summoned them together the next day & made this oration unto them. 
The Oration of totilas to his men of war.  Is there any of you my companions in arms (ꝙ he) that be holding so great alterations as have chanced within these few years, dreadeth not the frailty of man's estate? And is not able to conjecture whereupon and wherefore all these alterations & changes have happened? I will not speak of Rome, sometime the Lady of the whole world, which now is fallen into your hands. For she hath suffered many mischances which were done so long a go that they are not now to be recounted, and this is not the first ruin that hath happened unto her. Wherefore I had rather put you in remembrance of our own affairs. What thing was there of grater power and strength before these wars, than the nation of the Goths through out all Italy? It sent into the field two hundred thousand fighting men, thoroughly furnished with armour, weapons, artillerye, horses, victuals, gold and fyluer. It hold in possession all italy, Sicill, Corsica, Sardinia, and Dalmatia. Who would have believed it had been possible for seven thousand Greeks (for there came no more into Italy at the first) to have subverted so great a power? And what shall we say of the same Greeks: when they had in manner brought all in subjection to them: and held all as Lords and conquerors? would any man have thought that you being but a few and brought almost to beggary, should have recovered Italy out of the hands of them being twenty thousand men, considering that at that time ye were not able to make above four thousand horsemen? and had not a town left you in all Italy, more than Pauye Veron, & 
* Now called Trevizo.  Taruisium? would any man have thought that ever ye should have taken Rome the head of the world? the which Vitigis was not able to subdue with his two hundred thousand me in a whole years besiegement? Surely countrymen these things are very great and not a little to be wondered at.  
Howbeit if we list to consider & mark them, the causes of these alterations are most manifest & apparent. For as long as the Goths executed. justice & used equity, so long their power flourished, their estate prospered, their matters went forward, & whatsoever they took in hand had good success. But as soon as they were once led away through covetousness, then bred there privy grudge among them, then rose there inward debate, than one sought to cut another's throat, than sprang up secret treason, through that which they brought themselves to utter ruin & decay. Again when these contagious maladies were passed out of you into that captains of justinian, through your amendment you easily overcame them. Wherefore if you weigh & consider these things well, ye have no cause at all to be proud of this victory, but rather ought to dread God & to fear the mutability of fortune. For ye must understand that all Empire & power is easily foregone, unless they be maintained by justice policy, and paynestakinge. Yea my companions in arms, know ye this & believe it for a certainty, that the greatest part of your labour is yet behind. For it is a harder matter to keep things gotten, then to get them, For as much as in getting often times the cowardness of the possessor furthereth a man more than his own prowess. But to keep things gotten, no man is able without his own prowess and policy. Thus much spoke Totilas at that time & the Goths did greatly commend the wyfedome of their King.   

¶ The xii Chapter.  
¶ The bitter words of Totilas to the Romans, and thacquittal of a noble woman accused of treason. Totilas fendeth Ambassadors with letters to the Emperor, at whose return he defaceth Rome and leaveth it utterly desolate.  
AFter this he called the Romans before him and greatly reproved their unthankfulness & misdemeanour. 
The talk of Totilas to the Romans.  In as much as they being in subjection under Odoacer, & delivered from his tyranny by means of Theoderich & the Goths, at whose hands they had received so great benefits as they theyin selves could scarce have wished, through the which they had been greatly enriched & had lived many years in great tranquillitle, right happies if they could have seen when they were well, now in the end without arm wrong or displeasure offered to them, had contrary to their oath & allegeans revolted to the Greeks, men of all other most vain & without either manhood or prowess. Who immediately upon their arrival being besieged by Vitigis, durst never show their heads in the open field, but lurking within walls and there starving themselves for hunger, aboode all the dishonour that might be. Who after the time they were made lords of the Cities, not through their own man hood, but through treason & deceit, filled all places with tollgatherers, Pollers, and Promoters: who with marvelous cruelty compelled the Cities & people of italy to the payment of those tributes, which had been forgiven them & clearly released many years before by Theoderich & tother Kings of the Goths. Who to satisfy the insatiable covetousness of the Emperor their Master, called as well the people as the magistrates, to a strait account of sUch things, as they had taken charge of under the said kings. Tell me therefore ye Romans' (ꝙ he) whether ye ever suffered any harm by the gothish Kings? And tell me again if ever these Greklings did you any good? And not rather more displeasure to you being their friends, then to us their enemies? A vicious & wicked kind of people, able to serve to no purpose, but to forging of leasings? whereas on the contrary part the Goths were borne & brought up among you in italy, and yet you have set more by strangers & aliens then by your own countrymen & acquaintance, so much are ye degenerated out of kind, hating whom ye ought to love, desiring new things & loathing your own quietness, like resty jades which through over long standing in & to much pampering become coltishe & full of evil touches. Wherefore seeing you have done these things both contrary to your duty & allegiance, and contrary to your own profit, look as you have hitherto been worthily punished, so shall you also be hereafter. With these words he dismissed the Romans void of all good hope. 
A noble woman accused for defacing the kings images.  About the same time was pleaded the case of a noble woman called justiniana. It was laid to her charge the she had caused that images of king Theoderich to be broken & defaced in revengement of her husband Boetius and of her father father Symmachus whom Theoderich had put to death. The inditement for defacing of that Images was supposed to be true. Howbeit she was thought to be to be held excused, in as much as her Just sorrow provoked her thereunto, for because it was manifest lie known that those worthy personages, were wrongfully put to death. In consideration whereof. Totilas' acquitted the woman, & preserved her from the violence of the Goths. Afterward he purposed to send an. Ambassade to justinian. 
An Ambassad sent from rotilas to th emperor.  The Ambassadors were the forenamed Pelagius, & one Theodore an Orator of Rome. These men did Totilas bind with a great oath, to do his messege faithfully, and to return to him into italy with as much fpede as might be. The effect of their commission was, to declare unto th'emperor that if he would admit him & the goths into the rather of his friends he would save the city of Rome, & would moreover aid him with a strong power like a faithful friend in all his voyages and wars. But if he would rather continue wars against them, he would make Rome even with the ground. For be minded not to trouble himself with the keeping of it while he should be occupied about other wars, nor yet to leave it up to his enemies.  
Furthermore he wrote a letter to justinian, 
The tenor of Totilas letter to th'emperor.  the tenor whereof was this. What hath been done about the City of Rome I think you know well enough. The occasion why we send Ambassadors unto you is this. We covet to be at atonement with you, and you with us, like as were our noble predecessors Anastasius the Emperor of Rome and Theoderich King of the Goths. Whose mutual concord & agreement both caused great tranquillity and quietness of those times, and also greatly benesited themselves. If therefore you can find in your heart to do as they did, I will worthily accept you for my parent, and you shall have me and my Goths at commandment to help you in all your wars. But if you be otherwise minded, you shall understand by our Ambassadors what shall be the sequel. With this message the Ambassadors sailed into Grece, during whose going and coming Totilas aboode still at Rome. Belisarius lay all the while at Portua, brought to deaths door with sickness and sorrow. In the mean time john persisted in his doings, & altered many things among the Lucanes and Brutians. By means whereof Totilas also was compelled to send among the Lucanes and to renew the war. It was not long after but that he was certified of the emperors answer. 
Themperors answer to the demands of Totilas,  For at such time as the ambassadors coming before justinian had first delivered the kings letters, and afterward declared their Commission, making intercession and supplication for saving the City of Rome then standing in so great jeopardy, they could get none other answer at th'emperors hand but that Belisarius was in Italy, to whose will and discretion he had committed the affairs of that country. When Totilas heard that perceiving it was done for none other purpose then to disappoint him of his desire, & more over taking displeasure at john's deinges which had made war upon him sitting still in quiet & abiding for the return of his Ambassadors sent to entreat for peace, 
The utter sacking and desolation of Rome.  he took counsel to raze the City of Rome. Whereupon rising up with marvelous cruelty in sundry places he beat the walls down to the ground, to the maintenance of the third part of the Circuit of the whole City. That done he set the Capitol on fire. All was on a light fire about the market, about Subura, & about the holy street. The hill Quirnialis smoked, the hill Auentive glistered with flames & the noise of the falling of the houses was heard every where. While the City was thus burning, thin habitantes with their wives and children, were thrown out of their native soil, having not so much liberty as to bewail their own miseries. All the people and the common sort he dispersed through the towns of Campanie. But he kept still about him the Senators and noble men for hostages. After this he departed out of Rome with all his whole army, leaving it utterly desolate, in so much that there remained not any man or woman in it. * ⁎ *  
¶ Thus endeth the thytde Book.    

The fourth book of Leonard Aretine, concerning the wars in Italy against the Goths.  

❧ The first Chapter,  
¶ Totilas chaseth john Vitalian from place to place, Belisarius repaireth Rome and giveth notable and bloody repulses to the Goths attempting to let him of his purpose and pronideth for the safe keeping of the same.  
WHen Totilas departed from rome, he set a crew of soldiers against the city Portua in a place called Algidone, to the intent that Belisarius soldiers should not work any thing in his absence, 
The shameful flight of iohn Vitalian.  & with the rest of his army he went against john into Calabre. As soon as john heard of his coming, he abandoned up all unto him and tan his way like a coward, not staying in any place until he had recovered to Hydrunt which is the furthest town of all Calabrie. By means whereof when Totilas came in those quarters, he quickly recovered the Lucanes, Brutians, and Calabrians wholly saving Hydrunt. The same scason Spolet revolted from the Goths.  
There was nothing kept of it but only the Castle, for Totilas had before time overthrown the walls of the Town. The author of this renolting was one Martian of Constantinople, who being one of the keepers, conspired with eighteen of the soldiers, and having slain the Captain of the piece, yielded it up to Belisarius. 
The repairing of tarent  About the same time almost was Tarent repaired, whereas before, it had been forsaken and left desolate. It was repaired by the Calabrians and other people that were driven out of their own dwellings by the wars. They were not able to build it of like bigness as it had been in times passed. But taking one piece of it butting upon the haven enclosed on both sides with the sea, they easily fortified the access unto it from the main land. Totilas having brought under his subjection all the towns of Lucanye and Calabrie saning Hydrunt, determined to depart thence, and thereupon leaning a garrison of soldiers at the city Atheruse, with the rest of his army marched toward Ravenna, In the mean while Belisarius being recovered of his long continued Ague, took in hand a bold adventure, and (as many a man would have thought) a rash, the which notwithstanding in the end proved a courageous and laudable enterprise. He determined to take upon the sudden and to fortify the city of Rome lying at that time waste and desolate. 
The repai●●g of Rome by Belisarius.  whereupon keeping this purpose secret to himself, he left a few Soldiers at Portua for defence of the town, & with all the power he could make beside, (no man either of his own or of his enemies mistrusting whereaboutes he went) took the city of Rome and with a wonderful celerity went in hand with repairing and fortifying it again. And because the walls in divers places were beaten down to the hard ground, he filled up part of them with rough work, and cut deep dyches before the walls, and cast up a rampire the which he fenced with Trunks of trees fastened in the ground by the roots wound one with in another, with the sharps ends upward. And for the more strength of the wall newly repaired he builded towers and bulwarks of timber. The which things through the earnest labour and willyngnes of his soldiers, he furnished it in three and twenty days. And ships came continually from Portua laden with corn and other victuals.  
The Citizens of Rome whereof there stayed a great number in the towns near abouts, hearing that their City was repaired, were wonderful desirous to return into their native Country, and that inespecially because there was plenty of corn there, with scarcity whereof they were pinched in other places. As soneas Totilas had word of this, forthwith all other matters set a part, he made haste toward Rome. Belisarius was notable to hang up the gates of the City before his enemies were come. For he had not so good store of Carpenters to repair them in so short tyme. The Goths the first day of their coming encamped themselves not far from the City against the gate Salaria, The next morning by the rising of the sun, with great noise and hurly-burly they marched to the assault. 
The Goths assault Rome and are repulsed.  Belisarius placed all his tallest and hardyest men at the gate the rest he set upon the walls & in the bulwarks, commanding them to beat their enemies down. The encounter was behement and hot on both parts. For the Goths came thither of set purpose to have won the Town at the first push. But when they saw better defence made then they looked for, they were in such a fury and such a rage, that they ran desperately upon their enemies like mad men, and striving unadvisedly to get up, were beaten down and killed without merry. It was wonder to see how earnestly and desperately it was fought on both sides that day. For the assault began in the morning and ended not until night. After that it waxed dark the Goths retired into their Tents. But the soldiers of Belisarius partly kept their standing upon the walls and bulwarks as they had been placed by him, and partly warded at the Gates. And to the intent the enemy should not suddenly come upon them in the night and take them unwares, he caused a great sort of Bushes and Brambles to be laid before the Gates. The next day the Goths approached to the city in like sort as they had done before, and Belisarius and his men made like resistens. But when the assault waxed to long, the soldiers that kept their standing at the Gate, issued out boldly and encountering with the Goths hand to hand, at length put them to flight on that fyde and with many wounds drove them far from the Gate. And so was that assault ended. afterward when they had bestowed many days in healing their wounds and repairing their armour, the Goths advanced again to the affanlte of the city.  
Belisarius having before well hearted and encouraged his soldiers, 
A notable repulse given to the Goths by Belisarius.  leaving nevertheless a convenient number upon the walls and in the Towers, led them out at the gate. There was a what and an eager battle fought hard at the gate, in the which when as Totilas his standardbearer was strike stark dead from his horse with a spear, and the standard overthrown, there was much pressing about it from both sides. The Goths striving to save their standard least they should be dishonoured, and the soldiers of Belisarius endeavouring to obtain the honour of winning the same. At last the skirmish grew to this issue, that the Goths recovered their standard, & the soldiers of Belisarius had the body of the standard-bearer, saving his life hand which the Goths did cut of for spite that their enemies should not have it, because there was a ring of gold upon it. This done, Totilas' perceiving that his attempt was in vain, blue to that retreat and the next day after went his way unto Tybur. For as I told you before he held that City, and having marvelously fortified the castle thereof used it as a Camp against the Romans. The Romans to the intent they would not be molested by their sudden invations from that side, broke all the bridges on the river Anio. This river Anio springeth among the Heruices, and ronning down from the hills cutteth the plain between Tybur and Rome. It hath very steep bakes, and the channel is so deep of water that it cannot be passed. And therefore there were bridges made upon it from all the principal ways, as from the gates Salaria, Nomentana, and Tiburtyne. These bridges being at that time cut of, there could no roads be made against the City of Rome on that side.   

the ii Chapter.  
¶ After the departure of the Goths from Rome. Totilas in the next spring goeth to the siege of Peruse, during whose being there, john Vitalian attempteth many things in Campane to the great prejudice of the Goth●●, wherewith Totilas being displeased goeth with such speed against him that he overcame him before he heard of his coming. The Emperor sendeth another band of men into italy at wholse coming. Belisarius sailing toward Tarent is driven by tempest to land at Croton where for want of forage compelled to send his horsemen into the Country, through the negligence of the Captains looseth them. By means whereof he is fayneto sail away into Sicill, during the which his absence Totilas besiegeth Ruscie.  
AFTER the departure of the Goths Belisarius caused the gates and the iron work of them to be framed quietly, and when he had done, as though he had conquered the City again by force, he sent the keys of it into Grece to the Emperor justinian. And thus ended the twelfth year of this war. The next year following assoon as the spring came, Totilas set out of Tibur & marched toward Peruse. The same Town was even then already besieged by another company of the Goths. And when corn began to wax scarce & other victuals to sail, Totilas went thither to the intent to keep the town straighter, & to take away all hope of succour from the besteged. While Totilas was occupied about the siege of Peruse, 
The doings of john in Cmapane.  john taking a vantage of his being there & perceiving that the Senators & noble men of Rome which Totilas had led prisoners with him were left in the towns of Campane under the keeping of his soldiers, thought to win himself a name by delivering them out of their enemies hands. Where upon he removed out of Calabrie with a trope of thosen horsemen, never dyscontinuing his iournye night nor day until he came into Campane. Totilas mistrusting as much, had appointed a strong band of the Goths thither. When they came unto Minturne they stayed & sent certain of their horsemen before to see what was done in the towns. Now it fortuned that the gothish horsemen which were fente before, chanced to light upon john & his horsemen, between whom there was a sharp encounter. In the which john getting the upper hand slew many of them & wounded many, and put the rest to flight. Through this discomsiture they that abode behind at Minturne were so discouraged, the they fled also. By means whereof john had leisure to lead away whom he listed at his pleasure. For the towns of Campaine were unwalled the Goths having lately before beaten them down. So that john took all the Romanye prisoners that he found in every town & delivered them out of the hands of the Goths, conveying them quite away, all saving Clementine & Orestes of the which the one would not go away with him, because he feared the Emperor whom he had offended, & the other making excuse that he wanted horses, tarried in doubt whither he might go or no. Howbeit there were not Many Senators found in Campaine, but very many of their wines & daughters. For the men for the most part the same night that the City was taken, followed the men of war and fled with them to Portua. When Totilas understood of these things that john had done, he was greatly moved, determining to be revenged upon him. And thereupon leaving part of his army at the siege of Peruse, 
The great celerity of Totilas.  he himself with the residue, made haste by great journeys through the countries of the Picentes Marses, & Peligues, into Appulia, & never ceased, until, by crossing the ways at length he found johnin Calabrie where suddenly setting upon him, he put him & all his army to flight & took his tents. notwithstanding as it chanced, the Goths made no great slaughter, by reason it was night when they assailed the camp. By means whereof the soldiers did easily escape & hide themselves in the next mountains. john & Arnulphe captain of the Erulians who also served in the wars with john, recovered out of the chase unto Hidrunt, & the soldiers afterward some one way & some another resorted thither unto them. This victory of Totilas did greatly renown his name. For it was thought to be a notable matter, for a king to have come from that walls of Peruse into Calabrie, and the in so short space as a light journeying man could scarcely have done, himself being not carried in a horselytter or a charity, but even with as much pain as the common soldier, on horse back laden with his harness as other were. Not long after that battle, another band of soldiers sent from justinian began to approach unto Hydrunt.  
For the Emperor being moved with often letters from Belisarius, 
Themperor sendeth a new power into Italy.  declaring the state of the wars & requesting aid, determined to send a new power into Italy, & had written to Belisarius that he should high him into Calabrie to receive his soldiers & to make war against his enemies there. Captains of this new army were Valerian leader of the Armenians, & Vere leader of the Erulians. Belisarius upon the receipt of the emperors letters and commandment, leaving the rest of his army at Rome & at Portua under the charge & government of his Lieutenant Conon, with nine hundred chosen soldiers, (whereof seven hundred were horsemen and two hundred footmen) took shipping & made sail to ward Calabre. It was his mind to have landed his army at Tatent, the which is two days journey distant from Hydrunt, & in the same place to have assembled all the rest of his power about him. But by means of contrary winds he was compelled to land his men in the haven of Croton. For the violence of the tempest was such, that he could sail neither backward nor forward. Therefore when he had landed his army at Croton, forasmuch as there was not plenty of forage in those quarters, he was constrained to separate his horsemen from his footmen. For he himself & his wife abode with his fortemen at Croton, to the intent to call john with the rest of his power unto him, & commanded his horsemen to go further into the country and to stay themselves in the borders of the Turnies. For in so doing they should easily come by all things necessary for themselves and for their horses, and should also be out of all danger, forasmuch as the mountains of Luranie shooting into the country of the Brutians, do make two valleys, with narrow entrances into them. And not far from one of the valleys standeth on the sea coast a Castle of the Turnies called Ruscie, a little above the which is the lowns somewhat further from the water, situate on a high ground, called Ruscian. the same town did john keep with a strong garrison of soldiers. Belisarius therefore sent his soldiers into those borders, & made Captains over them one Phases a Spaniard a noble man of war, & Barbation a Thracian, commanding them in any wise to keep well the entrances of the valleys. 
Skirmish between the imperial & gothish horsemen.  When these horsemen were come into those quarters, by chance they met with the horsemen of their enemies, whom Totilas had sent to attempt the town which (as I told you before) was kept by john's men of war. After it came to the encounter the soldiers of Belisarius albeit they were fewer in number, yet they easily vercame their enemies & stew above two hundred of them. afterward those the abode still in that place, forasmuch as they were the victors, and far from the sight of their captain, kept neither order nor array. But straying far from their standard they passed not to keep either watch or ward, or to send any skowtes abroad, or to have any skowtes among them, nor yet to keep the straits at the entrance of the valley where they might easily have kept out their enemy. 
Belisarius loseth his horse men through neglegenceof the captains,  Whereof when Totilas had understanding he went thither with three thousand horsemen and set upon them ere they mistrusted any such thing. For he was passed those narrow straits and the entrances of the valley, before that Belisarius horsemen heard of his coming. hereupon began a great slaughter and discomfiture to be made of them. Phases and Barbation were the Captains. Of the which Phases with his troup of horsemen setting himself against Totilas, did marvels in Arms, howbeit at the length he and all his men were stain. Barbation with no more out two companions only escaped by flight, the rest were either stain or taken prisoners.  
Some there were that taking themselves to flight at the first beginning, escaped to Belisarius & carried him tidings of that great slaughter. When Belisarius had lost his horsemen, misstrusting that his enemies would come against him, he took shipping in haste & greatly dismayed with sorrow, abandoning himself to the winds arrived the same day at Messava in Sicill the which is from Croton about fourscore miles. 
Totilas besiegeth Ruscian,  Totilas having dispatched these matters & thereby disposed the power of his enemies, determined to besiege the town of Ruscian. For in that town were three hundred horsemen placed there by john, & an hundred footmen sent lately thither by Belisarius. More over there were a great number of Italians both horsemen & footmen, which if they should be besieged, it was none other like but the they should want victuals ere it were long. In hope where of Totilas besieged the town.   

The iii Chapter.  
¶ Conon Captain of Rome in slain of his own soldiers. Fortune afflicteth the Imperials, Totilas receiveth Ruscie & putteth Colaser Captain thereof to death. Antonia the wife of Belisarius entreateth the Emperor that her husband is called home out of Italy.  
ABout this time, 
Conon Captain of Rome for his covetousness is slain of his ownsouldiers  the soldiers that Belisarius left at Rome, flew their Captain Conon in a rage because that by encroaching the corn privily into his hand, he daily raised the price of the market. Upon the which fact they sent their messengers to the Emperor for pardon of their trespass asserteining him that onelsse he would grant it, & moreover pay them their wages that was behind. they would deliver Rome unto Totilas. For fear whereof the Emperor granted them their whole request. They that were besieged at the town Ruscian, being distressed with scarcetieof corn, fell to communication with Totilas, & took a truce for a few days, promising to yield up the town unless they were rescued in the mean tyme. Hereupon was preparation made by john, to rescue them, & by Totilas to prohibit him. In the mean season Belisarius was come out of Sicill, unto Hydrunt & had received Valerian with the soldiers sent from the Emperor, by means whereof he had a sufficient power. Neither wanted he ships to convey them into the rescue of his complices. 
The perverse sentune of the imperials.  Therefore when all things were in a readiness he embarked his soldiers and sailed toward Ruscie. They that were besieged seeing the navy a far of, (for the City standeth upon a high ground & hath a large prospent into the sea) were so glad of it that they wholde not render the town at the day appointed. It was not long after but that there rose such a tempest that it disposed the navy into sundry places. The which afterward mering all at Croton, set out again from thence and made sail to Ruscie. When the ships approached near the land, Totilas commanded his men to arm them, & set themselves in amy upon the shore willing them with their darts & arrows to prohibit the navy from arrival. When the Greeks saw that, they were so sore afraid of the danger, that after they had hovered a while their abouts making pretence to arrive, at length despairing to do that they came for, they turned their ships & went their ways. afterward as they were consulting what was to be done for the safeguard of them that were besieged, it was determined that john & Valerian with the horsemen & the rest of the army should go into the country of Picene, & there keep as great a stir as they could, to the intent that Totilas should be compelled to break up his siege to secure his own: And that Belisarius should with his navy sail unto Rome, to appease the mutiny among the soldiers that we spoke of before, & to carry corn thither to victual the town. According to this determination, john went by & by through Appulia and the Country of the Marses to the Picentes by land. Valerian chose rather to go by water? And so having embarked his soldiers he arrived at Aucona, & joined himself with john. Yet notiwhtstanding for all this Totilas dissolved not his siege, but snding two thousand horsemen among the Picentes to defend the towns against john and Valerian, he himself with the rest of his army continued his siege about Ruscian. The besieged when victuals utterly failed them, & that there remained ho hope of rescue, sent one Deofer an Italian and Godilas a Thracian to Totilas, desiring pardon and safety of their lives. These men contrary to their expectation found. Totilas' gentle and easy to be entreated. For he imputed the breach of the truce to no man but one with the punishment of whom he said he would be satisfied, & was contemmed to parden all the residue. If they would serve him they should keep still all that ever they had, and if they had rather go some where else they should depart every man with one garment. By this means he received the town, 
The punishmment of Colaser for breaking of promise.  and after that he had caused Colaser Captain of the garrison to be whipped & mangled, (who was the occasion that the town was not yielded according to counenant), he commanded him to be put to death. With the rest he kept touch according to his promise. A great number of the men of war (to the intent to save that they had) abode still with Totilas. Othersome leaving their horse harness & all that they had besides, went with one garment unto Croton. The goods of the townsmen Totilas gave for a pray to his soldiers, commanding their bodies to go at liberty. 
The wife of Belisarius goeth to constantinople.  About this time Antonia the wife of Belisarius went to Constantinople to sue to Thoodora the Empress to entreat that her husband might be called home out of Italy. But when the found that Theodora was deceased a little before, she went to th'emperor her self and with much suit earnestly entreated him that her husband might becalled out of italy. The which request she easily obtained, so much the rather because the Emperor stood in great fear of wars in Parthia. 
Belisarius is called out of italy.  Thus Belisarius being called out of Italy returned into Grece almost five year after he came thither last, not having had altogether so good fortune in this his latter voyage as he had in his first.  
At his departure from Rome he left three thousand of chosen soldiers there in garrison under that governance of his Lieutenant Diogenes a man of much wisdom & knowledge in feats of arms. Anon after his departing that Goths took by assault Peruse, which they had so long time besieged.   

❧ The four Chapter.  
¶ Totilas besiegeth Rome now the thv●de ti●●e, great suit is made to themperor for rescowing the jame, Diogenes captain thereof provideth pollitiquelly and circum spectly for the saufty of it, nevertheless it is betrayed & taken. Diogenes flieth to cent mucels, Paul another of th'emperors captains saveth himself and his vallantlye, being besieged by the goths in the Pyle of A●●ian, Totil●●●●●●●oreth by all 〈◊〉 to repair and frequent Rome again, and afterward sommentth centmucelles which taketh truce with him to yield by a certain day.  
TOtilas hauting set at a slay the affairs of C●●●brie and Appulia, 
totilas besiegeth Rome the third tyme.  determined to turn batke again and besiege Rome. It made him the bolder that Belisarius was gone, together with the prosperous suscesse of the Goths in all their doings through italy, and the evil fortune of the Greeks. Whereupon assembling a great power from all parts, when all things were in a readiness, he came to Rome and besieged it. There were in garrison in the Town three thousand chosen Soldiers with their Captain Diogenes a man of singular activity, who by watching, working, and preventing in places convenient defended the City stoutly. In so much that the siege was prolonged, and the Goths had none other hope to win it but by famyshement. 
Suit made to the emperor for rescowig the e●●ye of Rome.  During the siege about the City, Vigilius the bishop of Rome being as then at Constantinople, and with him many worthy men of Italy, made earnest suit to justinian that he would send. Belisarius again into Italy with an inestimable power to raise the siege before Rome, otherwise they deciared that all was like to fall to utter ruin. The same thing also requested Goding one that had been conful & w●● sent thither from the people of Rome as an Ambassador. justinian made them answer that he would provide well enough for thaffairs of Italy. Howbeit through his delaying & driving of from day to day he did nothing in effect. At that length when he saw them earnestlyin hand with him from time to time & the he could not be rid of them, he denounced Liberius one of the nobility of Rome Captain general of the wars in Italy, & at the beginning was very whate in the furniture thereof. But within a while when other cares came in his head he began to wax cold again. And so with vain hope some time making preparation and sometime making delays the time passed away. Rome in the mean while was straightly besieged. For the Goths having won the Eytye Portua kept them so short that nothing could be conveyed in by the Tiber unto them that were besieged. And to the intent Rome should not be relened from any place, they had gotten into their hands well nigh all the towns about it. 
the foresight and provision of Diogenes for the savig of Rome.  But the foresight and provisiou of the Lieutenant and his fouldyers was woulderfull. For they foreseyage these things a good while before, had caused all the dayde ●●ames witha● the City (where th●●e stood no building 〈◊〉 be sowed with come. By ●●●anes 〈◊〉 hereof it can●● to puss that by that time their old co●ne was spent, new came up within the walls; where through they endured the fyege a long tyme. 
Rome is betrayed.  Yea and by all likely hood they had faved the City had not the treason of 〈◊〉 perverted them. 〈◊〉 the gate that leads to Ostia, 〈◊〉 ye g●● to 〈◊〉 Church of saint Paul, there was a ward of Isa●rien 〈…〉. They after long 〈◊〉 of the ●●●ge, grudging 〈◊〉 themselves that they were 〈◊〉 of many years wages, in ●●ps of great tow●des at Totilas' hand, 〈…〉 him bargaining to 〈◊〉 him the ga? e. Where they warded, appointing the time and the mean how to do it. When the night prefired was come, Totilas devised this cautel. He set two Barges upon the Kyver Tiber with Trumpe●●o●es at them, commanding them to tow up the stream and to get as ne●● the wall as they could, and when they came there to blow their trumpets as terribly as they could. He himself with his army 〈◊〉 softly without noise, and stayed a lytele ray from the gate before 〈…〉 All things happened according to l●y● desire. For the 〈…〉 when they had rowed to the place apponited, with the teerible and fo●ayne noise of their trumpeites, stralie the romans in such a fear that they believed their enemies had been there.  
In so much that they flocked thythes from all parts of the City, and they that watched in other places left their standings, and came running thither fearfully.  
Now whiles every man resorted to that place, 
Rome is taken.  and took no heed to the rest, the traitors being left alone broke open their gate and let Totilas with his army into the city, whereupon immediately ensued slaughter as well of the Romans as of the fouldyers. There was not than any care taken how to make resistens, but how to run away. They fled by such gates as werr furthest fro the enemy. Diogenes the Captain for as much as be saw there was 〈◊〉 other remedy yffued out of Rome with part of his soldiers and took his way toward Centmucelles. Totiles' presupposinge as much before (for all the rest of the towns were lost & there was no more left them to fly unto but only that) laid an ambush for him by the way, into the which Diogenes falling lost a great part of his soldiers & himself being sore wounded had much a do to escape with his life. 
The valeant doings of captain Paul.  There was at Rome among other Captains one Paul of Silicia, captain of a trope of horsemen. He in this most troublesome night after he had skirmished with his enemies in divers places of the City in the taking thereof, at length recovered himself with his horsemen unto adrian's tomb. Assoon as it was day light the Goths swarming about the City (at what time that the Capitol Esquilie & all the rest of the city was taken) there was hard feyghting still at adrian's tomb. For Paul had. CCCC. horsemen with the which he valiantly defended the tomb and the bridge adjoining thereto. In so much that he stew many of the Goths in the skirmish upon the bridge, & drove the rest a good way of. The which Totilas beholding caused his men to retire, I wylnot (ꝙ he) buy the destruction of these men with the bloodshed of any of my people I will dispatch them sitting still & never trouble myself for the matter, considering that neither they nor their horses have wherewith to sustain their lives until to morrow. Thus having called his men from the skirmish, and set a strong watch against the tomb & the bridge, he commanded the no man should molest ordisquiet them that were besieged. Paul & his hand of horsemen having fasted all that day & the night following without meat or drink, the next day began to consult what was best to be done. There were the gave rounsel to endure the siege with horsfleshe. But this devise seemed horrible for the loathsomeness of the unacoustomed feeding. Hope to escape by flight there was none, the Goths befetting them on all sides round about ready at receipt to cut them of. So there remained no shift but to yield, & that seemed both perilous and dishonourable, 
The words of Paul to his soldiers.  And therefore Paul taking upon him to speak said in this wife. My fellows & companions in arms which way so ever we turn us, ye see we are driven to an utter exigent. For there is no way to escape by flight, the evemies environing us round about with their army, and taking so good heed to us. And to yield ourselves to them, besides the disshonor & cowardness of the fact, we are like to be horribly tormemed & rentin pieces. For the cruelty of these bar barous people is not wont to be contented with any simple hind of death. As to a bids the siege & to feed upon horse flesh, let them do it that ●●ke to be rescued. I cannot see what reason ought to per snade us unto so great sufferance which are utterly destitute of any sUch hope unless that like a sore of fain thanks boys for fear of death we had rather pine ourselves with sorrow than have our flesh cut with a sword. And I assure you either to yield to thene●●te or to statue for hunger, I count it the property of them that have neither heart nor broud in them. But unto us which are 〈◊〉 of our hands, & acquainted with fighting, an honourable death is rather to be embraced then a shameful life.  
And therefore let us in such wise die, that we may hath our selves in the blood of our enemies & not die unrevenged. Let not our enemy laugh at our destruction but weep. Neither let us hold up our throats to be cut by them, but let us with our weapons cut theirs. For what can the respite of a few years profit us? sytheus that if we should escape alive now, yet are we sure we shall die ere it be long after. Glory may lengthen men's li●●es, but nature cannot. Aduanuee yourselves forth with me therefore to an honourable death, the which our enemies aswell as our countrymen may wonder at and extol with eternal praises to the sky. The horsemen encouraged with these words vowed themselves to death. And there upon embracing and kysfing one another they prepared themselves to the battle full héent and determined to spend their lives manfully. Their purpose was to run upon the Goths that warded next unto them, and to bestow their lives in the slaughter of their enemies. 
Fortune fauereth the courageous,   
When Totilas saw them thus bend to try the uttermost, for fear lest the desperate endovour of them should do the Goths more displeasure, than otherwise so small a number were able to do, he fent an herald to them offering them choice whether they would depart with their lives leaning their Horse and armour behind them, or else retaining all still serve him in his wars in like estate with other of his Sovioyers. When the horsemen heard that they were very glad, and at the first chose to leave all that ever they had & to go to Constantinople. But afterward considering the long journey, and the dangers that might happen by the way, they returned their minds & chose to abide all with Totilas, saving their Captain Paul & Mundus an Isaurien. These t●● 〈◊〉 as much as they had wife and children at home, 
Totilas showeth himself earnest in repairing and peopling of Rome.  desired to departed. And Totilas helping them liberally with viand & other necessaries sent them again to Constantinople: Furthermore be commanded the no man should be so hardy as to offer any wrong to any of tother soldiers in garrison that had taken sanctuary in that church. Toward the City of Rome he neither extended any cruelty, nor went about to make it desolate as he had done before. But made a search for the Citizens thereof in the towns of Campanie & in other places, & reduced them home again. Furthermore he made in Rome tourneys and jousts & such other primely passimes as are wont to be done in fortunate & quiet Cities with great cost and solemnity, to the intent the Citizens should conceive good hope, & have a desire to the City. The houses also which had been overthrown or consumed with fire in the former desolation of the town, he went about to needifie and repair. Finally he showed now as great a defyre of replemshinge Rome as he had done before of wasting and leaving it defolate. This so great mutability and alteration of his mind, fomme believed to have risen upon a vow that he had made to the Apostles Peter & Paul, whose temples he might seem to have destroyed when he destroyed the city. Othersome imputed it altogether to the profit and commodity of the wars. And divers do report that when Totilas lately before desired the French Kings daughter in marriage, answer was made him that he was not King of italy when he had subvarted the city of Rome. The which Taunt (men say) altered his mind to the repairing of the city. But what so ever was the cause of it, he endenored to repair and build again the Gytye of Rome. After this he prepared to make a viage into Sicill.  
For the furniture whereof he builded him a great fleet of Galleys, & made a great number of hoys and hulks while he was making preparation for that same, he determined to besiege both by water and by land Centmucelles which one City was not yet come under his subjection. Captain of that piece was Diogenes who (as to before mentioned) escaped lately from Rome. He had gathered to him a good strong company of men of war.  
Therefore at such time as the gothish army came thither and had encamped themselves near unto the walls of the town. 
Totilas summoneth cent mucelles.  Totilas sending an afficer of Arms to him, summoned him either to come & fight it out with his power against the goths, or else to yield up the town unto him. For it was not for him to look for any help at justimans hand considering he never relieved Rome all the while it was besieged, unless perchance he thought th'emperor did set more by Centmucells then by Rome. Diogenes replied thereunto saying, that as for to fight with him he was not minded at that time, and as for to yield up the town saving his honour and fidelity he could not, before he had sent to know the emperors pleasure, and to desire help. Whereupon forasmuch as he seemed to speak that which was honest and reasonable they fell to composition, that unless the Emperor after warning given, did resrowe the town by himself or by his deputy, Diogenes should surrender it at a certain day. And Totilas should not in the mean season by any means molest or dysquiet him. For the assurance of these Articles Hostages were delivered, and upon this agreement Totilas broke up his siege.   

The .v. Chapter.  
¶ Totilas' making war in Sicill besiegeth Siracuse, a new Lievetennaunt is sent from the Emperor into Italy.  
WHen all things were now in a readiness that were to be prepared. 
Totilas maketh war in Sicill.  Totilas' turned himself to the wars in Sicill, commanding that his ships should be ready at hand in the narrow seas of Sicill. He himself went by land unto Rhegium, purposing to have won the town by force. Captains of the town were Teremund and Imere placed there by Belisarius not long before. Who diverse & sundry times repulsed the Goths to their great loss, attempting to win that town by assault. By means whereof Lotilas' despairing to get it by violence, determined with long continuance of his siege to subdue them by famyshment. And therefore leaving a number of the Goths about it, he conveyed all the rest of his army by water to win Tarent, the which he easily obtained. From thence wafting over into Sicil, after that he had either by force of Arms or else by composition gotten into his hand certain of that lesser towns, 
The siege of Siracuse.  at length he besieged Siracuse both by sea & by land. By that time the Goths which (as ye heard before) were sent among the Picentes against john & Valerian, having associated great aid unto them and gotten the upper hand in diverse conslyctes, took the City Arimine. And in another encounter not far from Rau●nna, they slews Vere Captain of the Elurians with all his host. Moreover Teremund & Imere which were besieged in the town of Rhegium, for want of victuals were fain to yield themselves & the town to the Goths. All these things being declared to the Emperor at one instant, namely the saking of Rhegium, Tarent, and Arimine, and the passing of Totilas into Sicill, made him utterly astonied to hear of so many misfortunes at once. And there upon he denounced one Germane his cousin Germine by that father's side captain of that wars in Italy against the Goths commanding great preparation to be made for that same. 
A new Lieutenant sent into Italy from themperor,  When that fame hereof was blown into Italy, it greatly abashed that enemy & recomforted his friends. For this Germane was a man of a hualt courage, and of no less wisdom and policy, wonderful liberal, and very well-beloved both with the people and with the soldiers. Besides this he had after the death of Vitigis taken to wife Mathasuta the niece of King Theoderych, the which thing won him the hearts of the Goths: and therefore as the fame of him was great, so was he greatly looked & longed for in Italy.   

The vi Chapter.  
¶ Diogenes dalayeth with Totilas in delivering up of Centmucelles according to composition. The new Lieutenant of Italy, dieth in kiss way whose sons are commanded to prosecute their father's charge.  
WHon German was now in Illiricke, 
The Selavines  the nation of the Slavines having passed that river of Danow, invaded the provinces of the Empire of Rome. A kind of people cruel and outragius beyond all measure, who turning themselves toward Macedon and Thrace, put justinian in such a fear, that he commanded German to stay his journey into Italy. Through this taryans the Goths had leisure to do what they list in Italy and Sicill. 
The answer of Diogenes to Toulas for Centmucelles  In the mean season came the day appointed that Diogenes should have delivered Centmucelles, whereupon Totilas sending unto him required him to perform his promise. Diogenes alleged that German was newly created Captain of the wars in italy. By reason whereof he said the state of things was wholly altered, so that it lay not in his power to yield that town, seeing that Lord & proper owner of it was on his journey & would with in two or three days be in Italy. Totilas was be sieging Siracuse in Sicill, and the gothish men of war scouring through the whole country, made havoc of allthings. In Italy Ravenna, Auchon, Hydrunt, and Centmucelles with certayve other towns remained still imperial. The Goths held all the rest. One only hope stayed them, namely the coming of Germane, the which also failed them. For whereas he was sore longed for in italy, he was taken with a disease, and to the great sorrow of all the were belonging to him died in Illiricke. 
The death of German.  German had two sons whom he led with him into Italy. Them did the Emperor command to proceed with their father's enterprise, ioyuly together with their kinsmen john Vitalian the Captain so well known in Italy. For john had married the daughter of Germane. john therefore & the sons of Germane taking the charge of the army upon them, came unto Salons. And forasmuch as winter was at hand they determined to abide that season there, & in the beginning of the next spring to pass over to Ravenna. About the same time well nigh, Liberius being sent from th'emperor with a navy entered into Siracuse, maugre the Goths that kept their station in the haven to prohibit their arrival. Howbeit for doubt of scarcity of victuals which so great a number was soon like to cause in a City besieged, he purposed to go his way again: and therefore with in a few days after his coming he took shipping again and departing from Syracuse arryed at Panorme.   

The, vi. Chapter  
¶ Narses is sent again Lieverennant into italy with a great power and great treasure, Totilas sendeth a navy into Grece to infest those countries, and besyegeth Aucon in italy. The Captains of Totilas are overcome on the sea by the imperials and Aucon is rescowe. The Goths receive another overthrow upon the land, after the which certain gothish Captains become imperial. Narses marcheth with an inestimable power to Ravenna and from thence toward Rome in the which journey he vanquisheth a Captain of the Goths and killeth him at Arimine. He encountereth with Totilas who in the same conflict is slain and Teias created king of Goths in his stead.  
IN the mean while the Emperor altering his purpose, 
Narses is made th'emperors Lieutenant in Italy.  made his Eunuch Narses Lieutenant general of the wars in Italy, making him large promises of men and money. Also he wrote to john that he should not pass into Italy, but tarry still at Salons & there abide the coming of Narses. Narses therefore taking the charge courageously upon him, endeavoured to levy a great power from all places. To the performance whereof greatly avalyed his favour & authority. For he was one of the Emperors previs Counsel and ruled him in manner as he list, & he had great friendship and Alliance with the Kings and the great Princes of the Barbarous nations. 
Narses is stayed by the Huns.  When his furniture was in a full readiness, and that he had commanded his men of war to meet him all in Illiricke, as he was outward on his journey, & was come to Philippople in Thrace, he was of necessity constrained to stay and abide a time in the same place. For the Huns entering with a great army into Macedon & Thrace, made spoil of all things, & had closed his way that he could not pass. At the length when one part of the Huns was gone to Thessalonicke & the other to Constantinople, Narses went from thence and kept on his journey. By this thing Totilas (hearing of the great preparature of his enemies) was returned into Italy. Leaving for Lievetennantes of the wars in Sicil four of his captains, & he himself made provision in Italy for all things that seemed needful & requisite. 
Totilas sendeth a navy into Grece.  And to the intent to vaunt his power to the Greeks (as who should say he was as well ablete invade them as they had been to have invaded him, he sent a great fleet into Gexce, commanding them to make as much havoc & spoil of all things as they could according to the same commandment this navy, spoiled first Corsyra & the Isles adjoining thereunto, & afterward adventuring upon the main land, wasted and spoiled with fire & sword all the coast of Cypous, Acarnavia and Aetolia. And so keeping still the seas, did cut of many Greek ships by the way as they were sailing toward Italy and Illyria, insomuch the no ship could stir abroad for them. 
The bosyeging of Aucon.  While these things were a doing in Grece. Totilas sending a fresh crew of soldiers into the Country of the Picentes, commanded that Aucon should be besieged both by sea & land. He made three Captains of this enterprise: Scipuar Vdilas & Gothidil, to whom he gave a fleet of seven and forty Galleys. When Aucon was thus besieged, there were so hot assaults given both by sea and by land, that it stood in great peril. Wherefore Valerian who had the rule of Ravenna, forasmuch as he thought himself to weak to rescue them that were besieged, he wrote to john Vitalian lying at Salons, requessting him to join with him and so to rescue them together. john Albeit the Emperor had given him commandment that he should not pass into italy before the coming of Narses, yet notwithstanding forasmuch as he thought it against his honour to lie still and look on while his companions were in such jeopardy, he chose out the best men in all his host and embarking them in eighteen ships, set out of Salons and sailed toward Ravenna. As he was in his way Valerian met him with twelve galleys well decked and furnished to fight. When the Captains had commoned between themselves, and by the advise of such as were about them had determined as seemed best, they sailed with their whole navy toget her against their enemies. And when they came near unto Aucon, they drew to the shore at a place which the inhabiters do call Duasse. 
Battle on the sea between the Goths & the imperials  The which thing assoon as the gothish Captains peerceaved, they also addressing themselves to the encounter furnished their navy with the best soldiers the they could choose, & when they had put themselves in a readiness, launched forth & set themselves in good order against their enemies. The Gothyshe ships were in number seven & forty, & the Greeks were thirty, Captains whereof were john and Valerian, and Captains of the gothish navy were Vdilas & Gothidill: for Scipuar abode with the rest of the army to keep the Camp. Therefore after that the Cap\tayneses of either part had encouraged their men, and with warlike orations inflamed their minds with hope of victory, with eager stomachs they joined battle. At the very first beginning the encounter was fierce, meeting with stem to stem & each endeavouring to overmatch other, and the matter was handled with great courage on both parts. For there was not any one in all that great company which had not his hands full. Insomuch that the matter was tried with darts, javelyng, pikes, and sword as if it had been a battle upon the land. Howbeit in continuance the gothish navy began to go by the worse. 
Cunning & expenence prevaileth against force.  For albeit they were good men of their hands & stout warryours, it forasmuch as they wanted experience in sea matters, they troubled themselves. For in some places they clustered so together, that one had not come to stir by another, and other some again to eschew that fault, dissevered themselves so far from the help of their company, that their enemies had them always at advantage. Whereas on the contrary part the Greeks were greatly furthered through their cunning the good order of their Sea men there was no array broken. A man could not have seen among them any thronging, nor scattering, but the they were ever near at hand to help their company & to be helped of them. And therefore as reason was, at length they got the upper hand. 
The Goths are vanquished and Aucon rescowed  Some of the gothish ships were sunk that their men of war mariners & al. Many being won by fine force were with incredible slaughter taken. The which when the Goths beheld, by and by they took them to flight. There were no more but ten of their ships that escaped to land unperished. The rest were either taken or else drowned, there was made a great slaughter of the men in the battle and in the chase. They that escaped to land, did forthwith set their ships on fire, to the intent their enemies should not obtain them, & returned into their Camp. Where they were stricken with such a fear, that they determined to break up their siege. Whereupon in all haste they forsook their Camp and fled unto Auximum. john and Valerian entering into the haven of Aucon with their victorious navy to the great comfort and incredible rejoicement of the Townsmen, made haste to ryffling of the enemies Camp. The which they finding forsaken, caused all the victuals & artillery that they found there to be conveyed into the city. 
Fortune turneth against he Goths.  They themselves within few days after departed, Valerian unto Ravenna and john unto Salons. This battle did sore discourage the hearts of the Goths, & was as it were a preparative of a greater ruin the was toward them. For Totilas being not a little disquieted with this loss pulled back a great part of his army out of Sicill. By means whereof Artaunaes' the emperors Captain subrogated in the room of Liberius having received his navy of him, began to grow the stronger in Sicill.  
insomuch that he not only delivered his confederates from the besiegement, but also besieged the Goths in diverse places in their own towns. 
The Goths receive another discomfiture.  Moreover ere it was long after, an other navy of Greeks coming unlooked for to the rescue of the Crotoniens long time besieged by the Goths, raised the siege & discomfited their enemies with great bloodshed & saughter. The Goths being dispersed fled some to Tarent, and some withdrew themselves into the next mountain called Scyllaum, the which overthrow together with that former slaughter, did much more discourage the hearts of the Goths, In especially forasmuch as there went a great brute through out all Italy of Narses coming & of his preparation for the wars, what great furniture he brought with him, & that there began already to spring up certain rebellions against Totilas. Forone Reguaris a noble man among the Goths Captain of Tarent, 
Renolting to the part of the imperials.  and Morras captain of Acheruse, revolted to the Emperor with their towns and soldiers whereof they had charge. 
The power of Narses.  Furthermore tidings was brought of another insurrection against the Goths in Sardinia. While things were in this estate in Italy, Narfes' assembling his power in the winter season, addressed himself to his journey: he had such an army of men, as scarce all the captains being put all together, brought with them into italy during the whole time of this war. For the Emperor gave him so largs allowance of money, and he himself was so bountiful and liberal in bestowing & distributing of the same, the he levied a great power not only in Thrace & Grace, 
Albuine king of lombards.  but also out of divers other places. For he had entertained a 'bove five M. lombards notable men of war by the consent of Albuine their King, and, MMM.. of the Erulians. 
Cumades a Persian,  Furthermore there came unto him a great number of the Huns.  
Also there was one Cumades a Perstan that had been trained up in the Roman wars, who with a valiant band of Persians resorted unto him. Moreover there came to him a warlike young gentleman called Assuades with five hundred fighting men of the Sepides: and john surnamed Phagas with an host of the Greeks and Thracians. Besides this, john Vitalian, and the sons of German served him with their armies. Narses therefore having this so great an host, as soon as the spring time approached, passed out of Illiricum through Dalmatia and Liburnia and so coasting about the elbow of the Sea came by land into italy, not staying any where until he was among the Venetians. There were two ways by the which he might handsomely pass from the Venetians. The one by the Adriatic Sea, the other through the main Land, both which seemed to have many lets. For by the Seas side the river Athesis maketh great Lakes which fall into the Sea in many Channels, and the river Po being divided into many streams, doth in divers places interrupt the journey, with many quamyers and mooryshe ground as, so that an Army can not well be led that way without great trouble. 
Teias afterward king of the goths.  Again in the way by the main Land one of the Goths called Teias placed at Veron with an Army by Totilas, had intercepted his passage over the Rivers of Athesis and Po. These two streams running down from the Alps which divide Italy from France and Germanye, do fall into the Adriatycke sea. And therefore they that will pass from Venice, must needs pass over them either by the Seas side where as be Lakes and meres falling by divers Chancelles into the Sea, and where the mouths of Po do overthwart them between Ravenna & Clodius ditches: or else they must pass the same rivers in the main land, where they be great & undivided, and where they may easily be stopped of their passage, if there be any body to withstand them. Wherefore seeing the Teias was at Veron the which is a city standing upon the River Athesis, & had a power sufficient to let him of his passage Narses left the way through the main land, & chose to go by the coast of the Adriatic sea, both because it was without impeachment of enemies, & besides that, was nearer way than tother. 
Narses coming to Ravenna.  And so marchig by Clodius ditches & the fields of Adria, and passing over the Rivers wheresoever they crossed his way, some where with bridges & somewhere with boats, at length he came with all his army unto Ravenna. There Captain Valerian and Captain justine with their bands, joined themselves with Narses. There were in italy a great number of old soldiers, who by reason the Emperor was behind hand with their wages for a long time together were offended in their hearts, and would not go forth to the wars. Narses paid them all their wages, whereby he healed their griefs and gave them courage again.  
Having spent nine days in doing these things and in refreshing his army at Ravenna, he removed from thence & marched toward Rome. 
A conflict at Arimine.  The same time was one Vsdrilas captain of Arimine as notable a warrior as was among all the goths. Who (assoon as the Vanguard of Narses host was come into the fields of Arimine) went about to stop them of their passage. The river that runneth by Arimine was risen with rain, upon the which was a bridge so hard under neath the Town that it was an easy matter to stop the passage.  
Vsdrilas therefore issuing out of Arimine before that any number of his enemies had passed the river, set himself at defence on the furthersyde, and encountered with his enemies even hard under the walls of the town. In the which conflict a certain man of Arms of the Erulians fighting with Vsdrilas hand to hand flew him, and his soldiers discouraged with the death of their Captain, retired fearfully into the Town. The head of Vsdrilas was brought unto Narses, at the which Narses rejoicing and taking it for a tooken of good luck, that the chief of his enemies was slain by his men at the first conflict, kept on his way full of good hope and comfort. For albeit he had a good furtherance to the taking of Arimine at the same instant, yet notwithstanding he would not tarry about it to the intent so great an army should not beletted about the siege of one town, & therefore he passed by Arimine & continued on his journey. Totilas having intelligns of those things the were done among the Venetians, & understanding of the passage of Narses and of his coming to Ravenna, although almost all his whole power were at that time with Teias, 
The death of Totilas.  yet notwithstanding he determined to encounter with Narses, the which he did, & in the battle was stain for his labour. As many of the Goths as escaped from the field, fled over the river Po & assembled together at Pavia & there abouts. In the which place as they consulted of making a new governor of their people, 
Teias is created king of the goths,  Teias was preferred by the judgement of all men & chosen king of the Goths. After that he was thus in stalled in the siege royal, by & by he took to his use the threasures that Totilas had laid up at Pavia, diligently going in hand to repair his power, to raise a new army, to give & distribute horse & armour, & to do all other things vigilantly, and moreover to send to the Frenchmen to allure them to take his part in the wars.   

❧ The viii Chapter.  
¶ Narses continuing his journey receiveth Narma and Peruse, and winneth Rome by assault, whereupon the goths extend a marvelous cruelty against the Roman prisoners.  
NARSES hearing thereof, commanded Valerian to fie as it were in garrison with his band about the river Po, to the intent the Goths should not stray to far abroad at their pleasure without fear and he himself with the rest of his army marched to Rome. In his way Narma was yielded up to him and he granted the men of Spolet certain of his soldiers for their defence until they might repair their walls which Totilas had beaten down. Also he sent to Peruse to summon that Town, there were in Peruse two Captains Melegidius and Vlithus. Who being at variance between themselves drew sundry ways. For Melegidius coveted to yield up the City. 
Melegidius and Vlithus Captains of the Goths.  But Vlithus being guilty of the treason and the murder lately committed against Cyprian, strove against it, for fear to be punished according to his deserts. By means where of there rose contention, in the which Vlithus was slain, and Peruse was yielded up to Narses by Melegidius. After this Narses proceeding to Rome besieged it. The city of Rome at that time stood in this estate. The citizens being afflicted with the former calamities resorted not in any great number into the city. Ye should have seen whole streets emtye and neither man nor woman dwellynge in them, and the houses either fallen down or else bourned.  
For Totilas not able to repair it again specially the citizens being so sore wasted and in manner destroyed.  
The Goths therefore distrusting their own weakness that they were not sufficient to defend the whole City, had choose a piece of ground not very big near unto adrian's tomb, the which they strongly fortified with a ditch & a rampire & joined it to the wall of the rest of the City. Into the which place they conveyed all their munitions and artillery using it as a fort or a hold. Nevertheless they did not utterly abandon up the city, but defended it aswell as they could. Narses therefore determining to win the city, assaulted it in divers places at ones, And the Goths resorting to the same places stood at defence from that walls. While these things were a doing, 
Narses taketh Rome,  another company of the soldiers of Narses stealing about to the further side & finding no body there, reared up their ladders and skailed the walls. The noise that was made thereupon bewrayed that the city was taken, and the Goths leaving their defence, some fled to the town of Portua & some withdrew themselves to the fort at adrian's tomb. 
The cruelty of the goths toward the Romans.  By this means Narses gate Rome, & after he had a while besieged the hold, he took it by composition. There were in Campanie many Senators & Senators children, whom Totilas for the great authority & favour that their ancestors had, would not suffer to return into the city. Besides them, there were divers of the nobility which the Goths had sent thither upon mistrust. All the which, with their, children and kynsfocke the goths did put to death. Moreover Totilas had chosen CCC. youngmen as it had been to screw him in that wars, but in very deed to keep them for pledges, and therefore he sent them on a viage beyond the River Po. The which like wise after that Rome was come into that hands of Narses, were put in death every eachone by the Goths.   

❧ The ix. Chapter,  
¶ The falsehood and treason of a gothish Captain named Regnaris. Narses recovereth Portua. Teias king of the goths and the said Narses encamp one against another by a Rivers side the warter running betwixt them without any battle until after long time Teias having through treason lost hy● ships and by means thereof being destitute of victual and artillerye to keep that ground any longer removeth to a hill not far from the same place, where being in manner besieged by Narses, he setteth his men in battle ray and giving fierce assault upon his enemies after a whole days feyghting and many a noble deed of prowess by him done he is at last slain and the battle ceaseth for that night the which begynueth again the next morning, contynewinge all the day likewise until it be dark night. Whereupon they send commissioners unto Narses for peace which upon reasonable conditions is granted and the wars in italy are brought to a final end and quietness.  
ABOUT the same time Regnaris Captain of Tarent when he heard that Teias was made King and that the frenchmen would come to his aid, 
The falsehou and treason of Regnaris.  repented him that he had revolted to the Emperor, and determined to turn to the Goths again. Now to the intent he would recover again his hostages, he imagined this subtlety. He sent to Macurius Captain of Hydrunt, desiring hynt of aid against an army of the Goths which he falsely alleged were coming against him.  
Macurius mistrusting no deceits sent him fifty of his Soldiers to Tarent, whom Regnaris immediately cast into prison, and wrat unto Macurius that if he would have his soldiers, he should deliver him the hostages that he had of his in keeping. Upon the receipt of this message, Macurius was sore troubled in his mind, and leaving a few men behind him for the defence of his piece, went with the rest of his army against Regnaris. Regnaris making no delay in the matter, put to death all the Soldiers that he had received, and then issuing out of Tarent to encounter with Macurius was put to the worse, and being driven to fly with the loss of most of his soldiers when he could not recover to Tarent for that the ways were forelayed, 
Narses recovereth Portua.  he gate him to Acheruse. In the mean season Narses sending his army to Portua, besieged the town & at length recovered it. After this he assailed Centmucelles and in likewise brought it in subjection. Teias also ceased not to solicit the French nation and to allure them to take his part in the wars, promising them sometime money and sometime copertenershyppe of the kingdom of italy. But the frenchmen had already determined not to intermeddle themselves in any such wars. By means whereof the Goths were disappointed of their hope. Totilas in the time of his life had gathered together a great Treasure at Pauye, & had laid up no small mass of money in the fortress of Cume, & had made his brother Captain of the same fortress. When Narses had understanding thereof, he sent part of his army to besiege Cume, and he himself abiding still at Rome, endeavoured to repair the city and to replenish it with people. And to the intent that the Goths that were beyond the river Po should not rescue Cume or any other of the places that were besieged, he commanded john Vitalian and Philimunt with their bands to abide in Hetruria, to set 〈…〉 against the enemies at the first approach and curte them of ere they 〈◊〉 ●●ye further. For Teias when he perceived that Cume was besieged, determined fully to go and rescue it. Wheroppon serting out of Pauye, by long and overthwarre journeys he led his host by the shore of the upper sea and so through the countries of the Picentes and Marses into Campanye. The which when Narses understood he called john with his band out of Hetruria. After whose coming he marched forward into Campanye with his whole power fully purposing to encounter with Teias. 
The mountain Veswius.  There is a hill in Campanye called Veswius out of the tooppe whereof oftentimes riseth up smoke and flames of fire. But in the foot of the same mountain are springs of sweet water the which do make a brook called Dracon that runneth not far from the City Nuceria. this brook is not very broad, but it is so deep that neither horseman nor footman can pass it. 
Narses & Teias encamp together parted with a river.  About this river both armies encamped Narses on the hither side and Teias on the furtherside, the river ronning in the mids betwent them both. There was but one bridge over it, & that had the Goths taken. By means whereof it lay in their hand to choose whither they would fight or not fight. The armies abode in this fort by the space of two months, so that Narses & his men which were desirous to come to hand strokes, could not by any means come to their enemies, only they came to the rivers side from both Camps & shot arrows and threw darts one at another. Also there were fought many combats and many challenges were performed on both sides during the said time, & the gothish soldiers passing over the bridge did fight with the soldiers of Narses hand to hand. The sea was well & near at hand & the Goths had their ships upon the water which always brought corn and victuals & set it a land near unto them, 
The Goths lose their ships by treason.  from whence it was still conveyed to the Camp. But after the time that their navy through treason was lost, and that they could have no more victuals and attillerye brought to them by the sea, the Goths were constrained of necessity to dislodge from that place. Whereupon forsaking the bridge & the ground by the rivers side, they departed to the next hylt which the inhabitants of the country do call the mylkie hill. Narses pursuing them (forasmuch as he could not assail them by reason of the stepenesse of the hill,) settled himself about the foot of it. The Goths being to the same place also as much oppressed with scarcity as they were before, determined to put the matter in trial by the sword. 
A cruel battle between the Goths & the imperials.  And thereupon putting themselves in array upon the top of the hill, they descended from about & suddenly assailed their enemies thinking nothing less, then of any such matter, in somuch that they had not any leisure to order their battles or to encourage their soldiers, but were fain to set themselves against the enemy according as every man's fortune had appointed him. And for because the Goths had left their horses & fought on foot, Narses did set his footmen also to encounter with them. The battle was cruel & bloody in all places. For on the one side the Goths fought obstinately as men in despair, & on the other sydo the soldiers of Narses were ashamed to give place being so many in number as they were, in especially considering that but even the other day they had compelled them to forsake their first camp, and had well me besieged them now in the hill which they had fled to for their refuge. Both parties being incensed with these persuasiens, fought very valiantly. 
The notable prowess & courage of Teias king of the Goths,  I will not pass over with silence the noble Demeanour of Teias King of the Goths in his battle. For he being endued as it were with an heroical prowess, would needs put himself into the forefront of the battle among the formest fighters. He was easy to be known from the rest by his goodly armour & his rich apparel. In the life hand he held a target & in his right hand he brandished a javelin. Many that encountered against him he struck stark dead, & yet darts came flying at him from all sides Howbeit he being of an incredible courage and strength did marnayles in arms. At the length when his shield stake full of darts so that he could not handsomely wield it, standing with his face toward his enemies & calling to his harnessebearer by name he commanded him with a loud voice to bring him another target. When it was brought unto him, he let slip his old one, to have taken the new in his hand, in the which change it was his chounce to receive his deaths wound by a dart that was sent at him. By the which albeit he lost much blood, yet notwithstanding like a most puissant champion he never gave foot back nor never turned his face, but standing stoutly toward his enemies, fought it out as long as he was able to stand on his legs, until at length sebled with travel and loss of blood he fell down flat upon his face. It was almost sire of the clock when Teias died. 
The death of Teias.  And yet the Goths were nothing at all discouraged with the death of their King, but held out the battle until it was night never giving one foot back. finally when it was so dark that they could not see, the battle ceased, being begun at the son rising. That night both the armies watched in their harness, and assoon as the day pered, they fell to fighting a fresh, continuing so still unto the son going down to the great slaughter of both parts. At length the Goths sent unto Narses offering to depart out of italy so he would suffer them without impeachement to carry such things as they had away with them. But if he would not grant them this request, they said they would never leave fighting, as long as the breath was in their bodies. When Narses had heard their demands, by the advise of his counsel he condescended unto them, to the intent he would not to the great prejudice and loss of his men, seek the advantage of his desperate enemy. In the mean time about a thousand horsemen fled out of the Camp of the Goths, and by great journeys came unto Pavia and other towns beyond the river Po. The residue fell to a final agreement with Narses, promising to depart out of italy, carrying nothing more than every man his own, and never after to make war upon the Roman Empire, provided always that they themselves should retain still their freedom and liberty without any bondage or subjection to the Empire. The which being done according to covenant, Narses received Cume & all other towns that held with the Goths, and so ended the eyghten the year of this war.   
FINIS