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[13] The emperor scorned these because of their low origin, demanding for the execution of a lasting treaty that suitable chieftains be sent; meanwhile the enemy purposely delayed, in order that during the pretended truce their cavalry might return, who, they hoped, would soon make their appearance; also that our soldiers might be exposed to the fiery summer heat and exhausted by their dry throats, 1 while the broad plains gleamed with fires, which the enemy were feeding with wood and dry fuel, for this same purpose. 2 To that evil was added another deadly one, namely, that men and beasts were tormented by severe hunger.

1 I.e., by thirst.

2 I.e., to exhaust the Romans by heat and thirst.

Ammianus Marcellinus. With An English Translation. John C. Rolfe, Ph.D., Litt.D. Cambridge. Cambridge, Mass., Harvard University Press; London, William Heinemann, Ltd. 1935-1940.

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