Though outnumbered,
Basil shouted defiance; a conflict began, and so stout was the
resistance they met that, after several had fallen on either side,
the brigands drew off. Not, however, in final retreat; galloping on
in hope of succour, Basil found himself pursued, again lost two or
three men, and only with the utmost difficulty got clear away.
It was the young Roman's first experience of combat. For this he had
been preparing himself during the past months, exercising his body
and striving to invigorate his mind, little apt for warlike
enterprise. When the trial came, his courage did not fail, but the
violent emotions of that day left him so exhausted, so shaken in
nerve, that he could scarce continue his journey. He had come out of
the fight unwounded, but at nightfall fever fell upon him, and he
found no rest. The loss of some half dozen men grieved him to the
heart; had the brave fellows fallen in battle with the Greeks, he
would have thought less of it; to see them slain, or captured, by
mere brigands was more than he could bear. When at length he reached
Aesernia, and there unexpectedly met with Venantius, he fell from
his horse like a dying man.
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