422 ANN AÏS OF KOGEK DE HOYEDEN. A.D. 1176. Tor, indeed, who could possibly make head against the insupportable onset of B O vast a multitude ? However, as to our imperial office, hedged in on every side by such vast bodies of the barbarians, inflicting wounds and receiving wounds I D return, we still used efforts that excited in them no small alarm, in consequence of their surprise at our perseverance, and which we did not relax until by the benign aid of God we had reached the open country. Nor did it allow the enemy to scale the position which it took up, from which to carry on the battle with the barbarians, nor yet through fear of it did it spur on its horse, for the purpose of effecting a more speedy retreat. On the contrary, our imperial office, rallying all its body guard, and rescuing them from destruction, ranged them around itself; and thus it reached the vanguard, and then going on through the ranks in order, came to the main body of the army. Upon this, the sultan seeing that in spite of such great disasters as had befallen our army, our imperial office was, as became it, arranging matters for the purpose of again attacking him, sent word to us, and suppliantly begged our imperial office, and employed the language of entreaty, suing for peace, and promising to fulfil every wish of our imperial office, to give us his services against all men, to release all the prisoners who were detained in his kingdom, and in every way to conform to our desires. "Wherefore, having then stayed there for two whole days with all our forces, we became sensible that nothing could be effected against the city of Iconium, having lost our besieging sheds94 and engines of war, in consequence of the oxen which drew them being slain by the darts that had been hurled upon us like a shower. Another reason was, the fact that all our animals were afflicted by this most intractable malady which had now attacked them. "We therefore listened to the supplications of the sultan, and a treaty, confirmed by oath, having been made beneath our standards, peace was granted to him. Upon this, departing thence, our imperial office returned to its own country, entertaining no small sorrow for those kinsmen whom it had lost, but still returning especial thanks to God, who has, in His kindness, and still does, honor it. W e have also felt it a pleasure that it so happened that 6ome of the chief men of your nobility were with us, who will, at your desire, inform you on all the circumstances 9 4 "Testudinibus."