CHAPTER XXVII: Civil Wars, Reign Of Theodosius .-- Part IV.
The veterans, who still remembered the long resistance, and successive resources, of the tyrant Magnentius, might prepare themselves for the labors of three bloody campaigns.

But the contest with his successor, who, like him, had usurped the throne of the West, was easily decided in the term of two months, [76] and within the space of two hundred miles.
The superior genius of the emperor of the East might prevail over the feeble Maximus, who, in this important crisis, showed himself destitute of military skill, or personal courage; but the abilities of Theodosius were seconded by the advantage which he possessed of a numerous and active cavalry.

The Huns, the Alani, and, after their example, the Goths themselves, were formed into squadrons of archers; who fought on horseback, and confounded the steady valor of the Gauls and Germans, by the rapid motions of a Tartar war.

After the fatigue of a long march, in the heat of summer, they spurred their foaming horses into the waters of the Save, swam the river in the presence of the enemy, and instantly charged and routed the troops who guarded the high ground on the opposite side.

Marcellinus, the tyrant's brother, advanced to support them with the select cohorts, which were considered as the hope and strength of the army.