Merens, Mordens, Imniscaris, Rogas, Tadzans, Athaul, 117
Navego, Bubegenae and Coldae. But though famous
for his conquest of so many races, he gave himself no rest
until he had slain some in battle and then reduced to his
sway the remainder of the tribe of the Heruli, whose chief
was Alaric. Now the aforesaid race, as the historian
Ablabius tells us, dwelt near Lake Maeotis in swampy
places which the Greeks call _hel[=e]_; hence they were named
Heluri. They were a people swift of foot, and on that
account were the more swollen with pride, for there was 118
at that time no race that did not choose from them its
light-armed troops for battle. But though their quickness
often saved them from others who made war upon them,
yet they were overthrown by the slowness and steadiness
of the Goths; and the lot of fortune brought it to pass
that they, as well as the other tribes, had to serve Hermanaric,
king of the Getae. After the slaughter of the 119
Heruli, Hermanaric also took arms against the Venethi.
This people, though despised in war, was strong in numbers
and tried to resist him. But a multitude of cowards
is of no avail, particularly when God permits an armed
multitude to attack them. These people, as we started
to say at the beginning of our account or catalogue of
nations, though off-shoots from one stock, have now
three names, that is, Venethi, Antes and Sclaveni. Though
they now rage in war far and wide, in punishment for
our sins, yet at that time they were all obedient to Hermanaric's
commands. This ruler also subdued by his 120
wisdom and might the race of the Aesti, who dwell on
the farthest shore of the German Ocean, and ruled all the