336 THE DECLINE AND FALL CHAP, peared in arms at the head of his legions, and ad- ' vanced beyond the Po to encounter his competitor. The corrupted name of Pontirolo* still preserves the memory of a bridge over the Adda, which, during the action, must have proved an object of the utmost im- portance to both armies. The Rhaetian usurper, after receiving a total defeat and a dangerous wound, re- tired into Milan. The siege of that great city was immediately formed ; the walls were battered with every engine in use among the ancients ; and Aureolus, doubt- ful of his internal strength, and hopeless of foreign succours, already anticipated the fatal consequences of unsuccessful rebellion. His last resource was an attempt to seduce the loyalty of the besiegers. He scattered libels through their camp, inviting the troops to desert an unworthy master, who sacrificed the public happiness to his luxury, and the lives of his most valuable subjects to the slightest sus- picions. The arts of Aureolus diffused fears and dis- content among the principal officers of his rival. A conspiracy was formed by Heraclianus the pretorian prefect, by Marcian a general of rank and reputation, and by Cecrops, who commanded a numerous body of Dalmatian guards. The death of Gallienus was resolved ; and, notwithstanding their desire of first ter- minating the siege of Milan, the extreme danger which accompanied every moment's delay, obliged them to hasten the execution of their daring purpose. At a late hour of the night, but while the emperor still pro- tracted the pleasures of the table, an alarm was sud- denly given, that Aureolus, at the head of all his forces, had made a desperate sally from the town: Gallienus, who was never deficient in personal bravery, started from his silken couch ; and, without allowing
- Pons Aureoli, thirteen miles from Bergamo, and thirty-two from Mi-
lan : see Cluver. Italia Antiq. torn. i. p. 245. Near this place, in the year 1703, the obstinate battle of Cassano was fought between the French and Austrians. The excellent relation of the chevalier de Folard, who was present, gives a very distinct idea of the ground : see Poly be de Folard, torn, jii. p. 223—248.
