Julian, grasping the head of the weapon, attempted to draw it forth, but in vain--the sharp steel cut his fingers, and the pain and loss of blood caused him to fall fainting from his steed.

His guards, who had closed around him, carefully raised him up, and conveyed him to the camp, where the surgeons at once declared the wound mortal.

The sad news spread rapidly among the soldiery, and nerved them to desperate efforts--if they must lose their general, he should, they determined, be avenged.

Striking their shields with their spears, they everywhere rushed upon the enemy with incredible ardor, careless whether they lived or died, and only seeking to inflict the greatest possible loss on those opposed to them.

But the Persians, who had regarded the day as theirs, resisted strenuously, and maintained the fight with obstinacy till evening closed in and darkness put a stop to the engagement.