Toxaris It was the fourth day of friendship
between Dandamis and Amizokes, that is, since


 



they had drunk each other's blood, when the
Sauromatians invaded our country with ten thousand horsemen and an army of foot reported to
be three times as many.
Since they fell upon us
when we were not expecting an invasion, they put
all our troops to flight, killing many of the warriors and capturing the survivors, except a few
who were quick enough to swim across the river
to where the other half of our camp was with part
of the wagons. For our leaders had seen fit for
some reason or other to encamp us in that way
on both banks of the Tanais. They next proceeded to drive off our flocks, secure the prisoners, pillage the tents and seize the wagons, most
of which they captured, men and all, and they insulted our wives and concubines under our very
eyes, which nearly maddened us.