Having obtained of the Patrician promise of succour, Aignan returned to his episcopal see, which he found surrounded by barbarian warriors.

The Huns, having made breaches in the walls, were preparing an assault.
The blessed saint went up on to the ramparts, knelt and prayed, and then, having prayed, spat upon the enemy.

By God's will that drop of his saliva was followed by all the raindrops in the sky.

A tempest arose: the rain fell in such torrents on the barbarians that their camp was flooded; their tents were overturned by the power of the winds, and many among them perished by lightning.

The rain lasted for three days, after which time Attila assailed the ramparts with powerful engines of war.