imperator omnes aleae casus inter mutuas clades experiri festinans cuneatim stipatus densetisque clipeis ab ictu sagittarum defensus, veloci saltu comitantibus promptis prope portam venit hostilem crasso ferro crustatam. Et licet saxis et glande, ceterisque telis, cum periculi sociis premeretur, fodicare tamen paratos valvarum latera ut aditum patefacerent, vocibus increpans crebris, non ante discessit,
Translation :
Whereupon the emperor, hastening to try every lucky throw amid the mutual slaughter, surrounded by a band in wedge-formation, and protected from the fall of arrows by shields held closely together, in swift assault with a company of vigorous warriors, came near the enemy's gate, which was heavily overlaid with iron. And although he and those who shared in his peril were assailed with rocks, bullets from slings, and other missiles, nevertheless he often cheered on his men as they tried to break in the leaves of the folding gates, in order to effect an entrance,
Edition :
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.
Remark :
source: The quote extends into 24.2.15. long-term consequence: Julian and his men retreat after failing to break the gate, described in: "The defenders of Pirisabora use slings, thrown stones and missiles against Julian and a few of his men attacking a gate, injuring some and forcing a retreat."
