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That is the Scythians' customary song, sire!

More howl than song.

Now come the Armenians. Arsaces himself is leading them.

The Roman legions must already be out on the plains. All the neighbouring tribes are hastening to make their submission.

[He turns to the officers.

The twelve hundred ships, containing all our stores and munitions, lie assembled on the Euphrates. I am now fully assured that the fleet can cross over to the Tigris by the ancient canal. The whole army will pass the river by means of the ships. Then we will advance along by the eastern bank as rapidly as the current will suffer the ships to follow us.

Tell me, Hormisdas, what think you of this plan?

Invincible general, I know that under your victorious protection it will be vouchsafed me to tread once more the soil of my fatherland.

What a relief to be rid of those narrow-breasted citizens! What terror was in their eyes when they pressed round my chariot as I left the city! "Come again quickly," they cried, "and be more gracious to us than now." I will never revisit Antioch. I