The Goths Driven Back from Constantinople

After the emperor Valens had lost his life in this way, in a manner that has never been satisfactorily established, the barbarians again came right up to the walls of Constantinople and laid waste the suburbs on every side. At this the people grew indignant. They armed themselves with whatever weapons each of them could lay hands on and went out against the enemy of their own accord. The empress Dominica had the same pay that was usually given to soldiers handed out from the imperial treasury to those who volunteered for this service. A few Saracens also helped the citizens. They were allies, sent by Mavia their queen, whom we have mentioned already. With the people fighting in this way, the barbarians withdrew far from the city. [a]