To him, the routing of such a rabble seemed a task not worth speaking of, but some few would no doubt be slain, and Basil shrank from such extremities.
'Would you give up these trembling wretches ?' asked Venantius scornfully, pointing to the four slaves, male and female, Arians either by origin or by conversion to please Aurelia, whom she had brought from Cumae.

On their knees they were imploring protection.
'Nay, I will fight for their safety,' Basil answered.

'But if we can frighten off this tag-rag without bloodshed so much the better.' Venantius consented to make the attempt.

On the upper villa was an open gallery looking over the entrance, and fully visible from where the invaders stood.

Hither the armed men ascended and stood in line, the bowmen with arrows on string.