No sooner did Belisarius appear with a handful of soldiers, than courage and prosperity deserted the cause of the Vandals.

Your nephew Gibamund, your brother Ammatas, have been betrayed to death by the cowardice of their followers.

Our horses, our ships, Carthage itself, and all Africa, are in the power of the enemy.

Yet the Vandals still prefer an ignominious repose, at the expense of their wives and children, their wealth and liberty.

Nothing now remains, except the fields of Bulla, and the hope of your valor.
Abandon Sardinia; fly to our relief; restore our empire, or perish by our side." On the receipt of this epistle, Zano imparted his grief to the principal Vandals; but the intelligence was prudently concealed from the natives of the island.