[36] The haughty message of Narses was an offer, not of peace, but of pardon.

The answer of the Gothic king declared his resolution to die or conquer.

"What day," said the messenger, "will you fix for the combat ?" "The eighth day," replied Totila; but early the next morning he attempted to surprise a foe, suspicious of deceit, and prepared for battle.

Ten thousand Heruli and Lombards, of approved valor and doubtful faith, were placed in the centre.

Each of the wings was composed of eight thousand Romans; the right was guarded by the cavalry of the Huns, the left was covered by fifteen hundred chosen horse, destined, according to the emergencies of action, to sustain the retreat of their friends, or to encompass the flank of the enemy.