The Gothic cavalry was astonished and disordered, pressed and broken; and the line of infantry, instead of presenting their spears, or opening their intervals, were trampled under the feet of the flying horse.

Six thousand of the Goths were slaughtered without mercy in the field of Tagina.

Their prince, with five attendants, was overtaken by Asbad, of the race of the Gepidae.

"Spare the king of Italy," [3611] cried a loyal voice, and Asbad struck his lance through the body of Totila.

The blow was instantly revenged by the faithful Goths: they transported their dying monarch seven miles beyond the scene of his disgrace; and his last moments were not imbittered by the presence of an enemy.