and fought with craft before he made war.

[Sidenote: LEAGUE OF THE VISIGOTHS AND ROMANS AGAINST ATTILA 451]

Then the Emperor Valentinian sent an embassy to the
Visigoths and their king Theodorid, with this message:
"Bravest of nations, it is the part of prudence for us to 187
unite against the lord of the earth who wishes to enslave
the whole world; who requires no just cause for battle,
but supposes whatever he does is right. He measures
his ambition by his might. License satisfies his pride.
Despising law and right, he shows himself an enemy to
Nature herself. And thus he, who clearly is the common
foe of each, deserves the hatred of all. Pray remember--what 188
you surely cannot forget--that the Huns do not
overthrow nations by means of war, where there is an
equal chance, but assail them by treachery, which is a
greater cause for anxiety. To say nothing about ourselves,
can you suffer such insolence to go unpunished?
Since you are mighty in arms, give heed to your own
danger and join hands with us in common. Bear aid
also to the Empire, of which you hold a part. If you
would learn how needful such an alliance is for us, look
into the plans of the foe."

[Sidenote: THE FORCES OF THE ALLIES]

By these and like arguments the ambassadors of Valentinian 189
prevailed upon King Theodorid. He answered
them, saying "Romans, you have attained your desire;